PETER CARLINE: Time has caught up with Tom Brady but the NFL’s best ever quarterback is bowing out on his own terms, as he leaves behind a raft of records and retires at the top of his game at the age of 44
- Tom Brady officially announced his retirement from the NFL on social media
- In a 962-word statement, the 44-year-old confirmed he would step away
- After 22 seasons and seven Super Bowl victories, he has a raft of records
Time has finally caught up with Tom Brady but the NFL’s greatest quarterback is bowing out on his own terms.
After reports of his retirement emerged on Saturday, Brady released a 962-word statement confirming the end of his remarkable career on social media on Tuesday.
‘I have always believed the sport of football is an “all-in” proposition — if a 100 per cent competitive commitment isn’t there, you won’t succeed, and success is what I love so much about our game,’ he said.
Tom Brady, the NFL’s best ever quarterback, confirmed his retirement on social media
‘My playing career has been such a thrilling ride, full of ups and downs. When you’re in it every day, you really don’t think about any kind of ending.’
After 22 seasons, seven Super Bowl wins, five Super Bowl MVPs and three league MVPs, he has a raft of records.
His 243 wins, 624 passing touchdowns and 84,520 passing yards will almost certainly never be broken. It is rare for any athlete to retire at the top of their game, let alone one aged 44.
Brady (right) has a raft of records and, at 44, is extraordinarily retiring at the top of his game
But Brady was dominant in his final regular season, leading the NFL in touchdown passes (43) and passing yards (5,316).
In the last of his 47 playoff games, he led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 27-3 down to tie the LA Rams at 27-27 before his team lost with the last kick of the game.
Drafted with the 199th pick in 2000, Brady won his first Super Bowl with the New England Patriots in 2002 and his final one with the Bucs last year.