Tom Brady retires after 22 NFL seasons, seven Super Bowl titles

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady announced in a social media post Tuesday that he was retiring from the NFL after 22 seasons.

The 44-year-old Brady spent his first 20 seasons with the New England Patriots and helped them win six Super Bowl titles. He then joined the Bucs and led them to a championship last season.

“I have always believed the sport of football is an ‘all-in’ proposition — if a 100% competitive commitment isn’t there, you won’t succeed, and success is what I love so much about our game,” Brady wrote in the post.

“There is a physical, mental, and emotional challenge EVERY single day that has allowed me to maximize my highest potential. And I have tried my very best these past 22 years. There are no shortcuts to success on the field or in life.

“This is difficult for me to write, but here it goes: I am not going to make that competitive commitment anymore. I have loved my NFL career, and now it is time to focus my time and energy on other things that require my attention.”

Brady said he wants to spend more time with his wife, supermodel Gisele Bundchen, and his three children.

It was quite the ride.

Thank you and congratulations, @TomBrady. pic.twitter.com/0gPwUROEkz

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) February 1, 2022

Forever a part of Buccaneers history.

Thank you for everything, @TomBrady. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/XkMON0SY8j

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) February 1, 2022

The former University of Michigan Wolverines quarterback was selected 199th overall by the Patriots in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL draft. He replaced an injured Drew Bledsoe early in the 2001 campaign and won his first Super Bowl title that season.

Brady retires as the NFL’s career leader in many passing categories, including yards (84,250) and touchdowns (624).