Tom Brady will retire from the National Football League after an unprecedented career in which he led his teams to seven Super Bowl victories and set numerous league passing records.
This was announced by the ESPN network on Saturday afternoon, citing unidentified sources. Shortly after, the NFL website announced Brady’s retirement.
The 44-year-old Brady is leaving American football after leading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a Super Bowl triumph last season and the National Association Southern Division championship this season.
Brady, who played 22 NFL campaigns, had cited a desire to spend more time with his wife and children, even though he was still at the top of his game.
Brady led the NFL this season in yards gained through the air (5,316), touchdown passes (43), completions (485) and passes attempted (719). However, the Buccaneers were eliminated in a second-round playoff game last Sunday at home to the Los Angeles Rams.
Brady won six Super Bowls in 20 seasons with the New England Patriots under head coach Bill Belichick. He joined the Buccaneers in 2020 and helped them win the second Super Bowl in their history.
Brady leaves the sport as the career leader in yards through the air (84,520) and touchdown passes (624).
He is the only player in league history to win the Super Bowl more than five times, and was named that game’s most valuable player on five occasions.
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