Photo: John McDonnell/The Washington Post via Getty Images
Seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady officially retired Tuesday after days of speculation on his future in the NFL.
What they're saying: "I've done a lot of reflecting the past week and have asked myself difficult questions," Brady said in a statement posted to his social media accounts. "My teammates, coaches, fellow competitors and fans deserve 100% of me, but right now it's best I leave the field of play to the next generation of dedicated and committed athletes."
The big picture: Brady's 22-season career ended last week with a playoffs loss against the Los Angeles Rams.
- His official retirement announcement came days after ESPN first reported his decision to step away from the NFL. The 44-year-old initially denied the report and said he hadn't made a decision.
- Brady, who was picked in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft, retires holding league records for the most career passing attempts, completions, touchdowns and wins as a quarterback.
- He has more Super Bowl rings than any player in NFL history, winning six with the New England Patriots and one with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021. He was also named Super Bowl MVP five times and league MVP three times.
What they're saying: "Tom Brady will be remembered as one of the greatest to ever play in the NFL," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement Tuesday.
- "An incredible competitor and leader, his stellar career is remarkable for its longevity but also for the sustained excellence he displayed year after year," Goodell added.
In his retirement statement, Brady said he "loved going to battle" with the Buccaneers but did not mention the Patriots, the team with which he spent his first 20 seasons. He later tweeted a response to another statement posted by the Patriots: "I'm beyond grateful. Love you all."
- Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft congratulated Brady in a statement Tuesday, saying, "Words cannot describe the feelings I have for Tom Brady, nor adequately express the gratitude my family, the New England Patriots and our fans have for Tom for all he did during his career."
- "Saying goodbye to a legend is never easy, but we wish him continued success in retirement," said the Glazer family, which owns the Buccaneers.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with an additional statement from Brady.