The greatest quarterback of all time has officially called it a career. Via social media platforms on Wednesday, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady announced his retirement. In this video, he used more definitive language than he used when he communicated his desire to retire one year ago, leading the public to believe that he actually will not be returning to the football field.
Brady spent a remarkable 23 seasons in the NFL. He played 20 of those years with the New England Patriots, and the remaining three years of his historic football career with the Buccaneers. He won seven Super Bowls, and was named the MVP of that game five times.
New England Patriots
As most people know by now, Tom Brady was selected by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft. Most prospects who are taken in that area of the draft are longshots to make the team, let alone have extended careers in the NFL. Patriots brass liked the way Brady handled himself, even though he was taken to be a reserve behind entrenched starter Drew Bledsoe. Brady would only play in one regular season contest in his rookie year, as the path to playing time was blocked.
However, Bledsoe would suffer a serious injury in 2001, and Brady was called upon to step in. With the former University of Michigan product, New England finished with an 11-3 record in games he started. The team made an unexpected run to the Super Bowl that year, and defeated the heavily favored St. Louis Rams. Brady authored a game winning drive that setup kicker Adam Vinatieri for the game-winning boot.
As time went on, head coach Bill Belichick opened up the offense for Brady as he got more experienced. What was always a solid defensive team became a competent and eventually high-powered offense. Brady would win five more Super Bowls during his time with New England.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
As some of Brady’s supporting cast started to age and decline in production, it was deemed that a parting of the ways was best for both the legendary quarterback and the franchise. As a result, Brady left New England to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ahead of the 2020 campaign.
With a better set of receivers, and old friend Rob Gronkowski back in the mix, the Buccaneers had a stellar year, and would go on to win the Super Bowl. In his final two years with the team, Brady would continue to add to his already record-breaking statistics.
The Future
Before he got ready for his final season in the NFL, Brady signed an agreement to become a broadcaster with FOX Sports once his playing career ended. It stands to reason that Brady will begin that assignment in the 2023 season, and work alongside lead play by play announcer Kevin Burkhardt.
It will be interesting to see how Brady fares during the next chapter of his football life.
