Munich – Now it’s official: Tom Brady ends his career after 22 years and seven Super Bowl titles.
Taking to social media, the GOAT announced his departure in a multi-page statement thanking his teammates, fans and family.
Brady’s farewell in full:
“I’ve always believed in football that you have to be all-in. If you can’t put yourself in the competition 100 percent, you’re not going to succeed. And success is what I love about our game .
It’s the physical, mental and emotional challenge of EVERY single day that has allowed me to reach my full potential. And I’ve done my very best for the past 22 years. There are no shortcuts to success on the field or in life.
It’s hard for me to write this, but I’ll do it anyway: I won’t face this challenge again. I’ve loved my NFL career, but now it’s time to focus my energy and time on other things that need my attention.
I’ve been thinking a lot in the past week and asking myself difficult questions. And I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved. My teammates, coaches, opponents and fans deserve 100 percent from me, but it’s best now if I leave the field to the next generation.
To my Bucs teammates over the past two years, I love you guys and I’ve loved going into battle with you guys. You guys kept trying to surpass yourselves and that gave me the inspiration to wake up every day and give you guys my best.
I’m always here for you and I want to see you keep working hard to get better. I couldn’t be happier with what we’ve accomplished together.
Thanks to all Bucs fans. When I got here I didn’t know what to expect. But your support and love have enriched my life and that of my family. It was an honor to play for such a dedicated and fun fanbase. What a Krewe!
Thank you to the City of Tampa and the entire Tampa-St. Petersburg. Living in such a great place was wonderful. I want to be invited to our next boat parade!
To the Glazer family: Thank you for placing your trust and support in me. I know it was asking a lot at times, but you gave us everything we needed to win and that’s all a player can ask of the owners.
To Jason Licht: Thank you for your daily support and friendship – I will never forget them. I was never a free agent before and I had my doubts about our success, but you gave me confidence and I will always be grateful for that.
To all Bucs coaches, my sincere thanks for all the hard work, dedication and discipline it takes to forge a winning team. I have learned so much from all of you and will always cherish our connection.
Thanks to every single Bucs employee. Each and every one of you is crucial and I was greeted with a smile every day. That means a lot to me. Your work is long and hard, but please be sure that I see each and every one of you. Many Thanks.
Thanks to Alex Guerrero. Without you I would never have made it every Sunday. It’s that simple. Your devotion to your craft and our friendship and brotherhood are immeasurable. We are inseparable, I love you.
Thanks to Don Yee and Steve Dublin. You’ve been with me every step of the way since I left the University of Michigan. What a journey! I wouldn’t have made it without you.
To my parents and my entire family (and extended family and countless friends): I love you. Thank you for your eternal support and love. I could never have imagined the amount of time and energy you have given me over my past 30 years in football. i just love you guys so much
And, last but not least, to my wife Gisele and my children Jack, Benny and Vivi. you are my inspiration My family is my greatest achievement. Every time I left the field and came home, there was a woman waiting for me who couldn’t love us more and support us, who did EVERYTHING for our family so I could focus on my career.
Her selflessness allowed me to reach new heights in my profession. Words cannot describe what you mean to me and our family. I love you with all my heart.
My active career was such an exciting ride, beyond all my expectations, full of ups and downs. When you’re in the middle, you don’t think about the end.
But as I sit here, I think of all the great players and coaches I’ve had the privilege of playing with and against. The competition was fierce and strong, JUST THE WAY WE LOVE IT. But the friendships and relationships are just as passionate and strong. I will cherish these moments and remember them often.
I’m the happiest person in the world.
The future is exciting. I am fortunate to have co-founded incredible companies like @autograph.io, @bradybrand and @tb12sports and I look forward to helping them continue to grow. But how exactly my everyday life will look like remains to be seen.
As I said before, I will think from day to day. I know for sure that I want to spend a lot of time helping others and enriching the lives of others as so many have done for me.
With love and gratitude,
Tom”
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