Report: Brady plans to retire after 22 seasons, 7 Super Bowl titles
The greatest career in pro football history is coming to an end.
Tom Brady is retiring from the NFL after 22 seasons, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter and Jeff Darlington.
The 44-year-old quarterback, who still had one year left on his contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, stated last year that his ultimate goal was to play until age 45. However, Brady said after the divisional-round loss to the Los Angeles Rams that he'd prioritize his family while deciding whether he'd return to Tampa Bay in 2022.
There are multiple factors behind Brady's decision to retire, including family and health, according to Schefter and Darlington. He reportedly also recognizes that the Buccaneers are likely to undergo significant roster turnover after returning all their starters for the 2021 season.
Brady's agent, Don Yee, announced in a statement Saturday that the quarterback will officially address his future soon.
"I understand the advance speculation about Tom's future," Yee said, according to Schefter. "Without getting into the accuracy or inaccuracy of what's being reported, Tom will be the only person to express his plans with complete accuracy. He knows the realities of the football business and planning calendar as well as anybody, so that should be soon."
The Athletic also reported Saturday evening that Brady was in touch with the Buccaneers after ESPN's report to let the club know that he hasn't yet made a decision about his future.
Brady posted a legendary career over stints with the New England Patriots and Buccaneers.
New England drafted him 199th overall in 2000 out of Michigan. After attempting just three passes as a rookie, Brady became the starter in 2001 and, alongside head coach Bill Belichick, helped make the Patriots the most dominant dynasty in NFL history. The Pats, who won Super Bowl XXXVI in Brady's first year under center, lifted three Lombardi Trophies from 2001-04.
Brady led the Patriots to 17 AFC East titles, 13 AFC Championship Games, nine Super Bowl appearances, and six Super Bowl titles. He essentially missed the entire 2008 campaign after suffering a torn ACL in the season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs.
His 2007 season is regarded as an all-time great. Brady guided the Patriots to the NFL's first-ever 16-0 regular season while leading the league with 4,806 yards and a then-single-season record 50 touchdowns. New England reached Super Bowl XLII that campaign but failed to clinch a perfect season after suffering a shocking loss to the New York Giants.
Only two teams beat Brady in the Super Bowl. The Giants upset the Patriots in the big game twice (2008, 2012) and Philadelphia Eagles defeated New England in Super Bowl LII.
Brady's 20-year tenure in New England ended in March 2020 after he decided not to re-sign. The three-time NFL MVP then joined the Buccaneers in free agency.
The GOAT led Tampa Bay to a victory in Super Bowl LV - the Bucs' first championship since the 2002 season - and was named Super Bowl MVP for the fifth time. He's the only player in NFL history to win the Super Bowl MVP award for two different franchises.
Brady went back to New England in Week 4 of the 2021 season, beating the Patriots to become only the fourth quarterback ever to defeat all 32 NFL teams (after Brett Favre, Peyton Manning, and Drew Brees).
In two years with the Buccaneers, Brady posted a 24-9 regular-season record and tossed at least 40 touchdowns in back-to-back seasons for the first time in his career. He led the NFL with 485 completions, 5,316 passing yards, and 43 touchdowns in 2021 while helping Tampa Bay clinch its first division title since 2007.
The seven-time Super Bowl champion hangs up his cleats as the NFL's all-time passing leader in attempts (11,317), completions (7,263), yards (84,520), touchdowns (624), and wins (243). He also holds all those records - among many others - in the postseason.
Brady also has a record 15 Pro Bowl selections and a Comeback Player of the Year award (2009) under his belt.
He tossed at least one regular-season touchdown to 90 different players throughout his career, with tight end Rob Gronkowski topping the list at 90 TD receptions.
It's unclear what's next for the Buccaneers at quarterback. The reigning Super Bowl champions currently have longtime backup Blaine Gabbert and second-round rookie Kyle Trask on the depth chart.