Conor McGregor quickly deleted a tweet about Tom Brady to correct himself about the now-retired NFL legend's ancestry.
Brady, 45, announced his retirement from American football on Tuesday a year to the exact day that he first decided to retire, making a U-turn on his decision six weeks later. The record seven-time Super Bowl winner ended his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with the Bucs losing out in their play-off game to the Dallas Cowboys last month.
McGregor congratulated Brady on his illustrious career by tweeting: "No finer American Irish football legend! I know the next chapter will continue your winning streak-Sláinte!" The UFC star quickly removed the tweet and reworded it "Irish American football legend", as Brady's father Thomas Brady Sr. is of Irish descent.
In an emotional video uploaded to his Instagram, Brady said of his decision to retire: “I know the process was a pretty big deal last time, so when I woke up this morning I figured I'd 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. Thank you so much to every single one of you for supporting me. Thank you for allowing me to live my absolute dream. I wouldn't change a thing. Love you all."
McGregor first paid tribute to Brady when he retired last year by sharing a picture of the NFL legend on the front of a 2006 edition of Irish America magazine. Champions come back stronger and better! Love the sport and it shows. Tom Brady - thank you for the Irish spirit and the big news," McGregor wrote. Brady replied to McGregor's praise by writing "LFG!", which is short for "let's f****ng go".
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Although Brady's playing career is over, former two-weight UFC champion McGregor is far from done fighting just yet as he is linked with a return the octagon later this year. 'Notorious' is seemingly interested on coaching season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter and is expected to fight shortly after against a yet-to-be-named opponent.
Several other high-profile sports stars have since congratulated Brady on his retirement, with baseball great Derek Jeter writing: Congrats Tom Brady on an unbelievable career. It was fun to watch!” Quarterback Nick Foles, one of Brady's rivals during his career, posted: “Much respect Tom.”
