Seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady announced Wednesday that he is retiring from the National Football League “for good” after 23 legendary seasons.
Brady, 45, made the announcement shortly after 8 a.m. in a teary-eyed video shared on social media with a caption that read, “Truly grateful on this day. Thank you.”
Brady spent 20 seasons with the New England Patriots, capturing six Super Bowl rings. He went on to win a seventh Super Bowl title with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021.
“Hey guys. I’ll get to the point right away. I’m retiring for good,” Brady said. “I know the process was a pretty big deal last time, so I figured I’d just press record and let you guys know first...You only get one super emotional retirement essay, and I used it up last year.”
On the same day last year, Brady first announced his retirement in a long Instagram post. His retirement was brief, lasting only 40 days.
“I really thank you guys so much, every single one of you, for supporting me,” Brady said. “Thank you, guys, for allowing me to live my absolute dream. I wouldn’t change a thing. I love you all.”
Brady ends his historic run with a record of 251-82-0 and as the NFL’s career leader in yards passing (89,214) and touchdowns (649).
In addition to holding the most Super Bowl wins in NFL history, Brady is the only player to have won five Super Bowl MVP awards.
Brady and supermodel Gisele Bündchen finalized their divorce this past fall after 13 years of marriage.
Fox Sports announced last year that Brady would be joining the network as analyst when he retires from football.
Brady, who was drafted by the Patriots in sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft out of the University of Michigan, will be a certain first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer when he becomes eligible for enshrinement.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW