Goodell praises Brady as 'incredible competitor and leader'

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell lauded Tom Brady after the star quarterback officially confirmed his retirement Tuesday.

"Tom Brady will be remembered as one of the greatest to ever play in the NFL," Goodell said in a statement. "An incredible competitor and leader, his stellar career is remarkable for its longevity but also for the sustained excellence he displayed year after year.

"Tom made everyone around him better and always seemed to rise to the occasion in the biggest moments. His record five Super Bowl MVP awards and seven Super Bowl championships set a standard that players will chase for years.

"He inspired fans in New England, Tampa, and around the world with one of the greatest careers in NFL history. It has been a privilege to watch him compete and have him in the NFL. We thank him for his many contributions to our game and wish Tom and his family all the best in the future."

Reports surfaced last week that Brady was set to end his NFL career after 22 seasons and seven Super Bowl titles, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers star pushed back on the speculation, saying he was still considering his future.

Brady and Goodell had a rocky relationship, in large part due to the Deflategate scandal.

The commissioner handed down a four-game suspension to the quarterback in May 2015 for his role in the controversy. Brady served the suspension at the start of the 2016 campaign after the U.S. Court of Appeals reinstated his ban.

Brady then led the New England Patriots to Super Bowl glory at the end of the 2016 campaign and received the Lombardi Trophy from Goodell.