Tom Brady has announced his retirement from the NFL for the second time after spending 23 seasons at the top level of American Football.
The seven-time Super Bowl champion announced his initial retirement a year ago only to reverse his decision 40 days later and re-signed for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This time the 45-year-old chose not to release another lengthy statement announcing his retirement but instead posted a 53-second long video on social media.
Brady posted the video with the comment: "Truly grateful on this day. Thank you." In the NFL star says: "Good morning guys, I'll get to the point right away, I'm retiring, for good.
"I know the process was a pretty big deal last time so when I woke up this morning I figured that I'll just press record and let you guys know first. It won't be long winded. You only get one super-emotional retirement essay and I used mine up last year."
Brady's career spanned two decades with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The quarter-back spent 20 seasons with the Patriots, winning six Super Bowls as well as three MVP awards. He then signed for the Bucs in 2020 winning the Super Bowl once more and leading the Florida side to the playoffs in each of his three seasons.
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Brady then became emotional in the second half of his video as the NFL icon thanked those who had helped him during his incredible career.
He added: "I really thank you guys so much to every single one of you for supporting me, my family, my friends, my team-mates, my competitors, I could go on forever there are too many.
"Thank you guys for allowing me to live my absolute dream. I wouldn't change a thing."
At the end of the 53-second video Brady was becoming more emotional and signed off with the comment "love you all".
His announcement came as a surprise to most fans after Brady made comments earlier this season suggesting he intended to carry on playing. A return to the Patriots seemed likely due to his relationship with team owner Robert Kraft.
The Patriots have made a classy tribute to the star who led them to six Super Bowl crowns. Legendary defensive end JJ Watt and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes are amongst those who have also paid tribute to the NFL great.
