After 22 seasons in the NFL, future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady has officially announced his retirment from the league. On Jan. 29, 2022, ESPN senior NFL insider Adam Schefter announced via Twitter that multiple sources around the league had told him Tom Brady was retiring. This twitter announcement led to a wave of other reports citing Schefter’s on all social media platforms.
Later that day, reports were released that Brady had contacted the general manager of the Buccaneers, telling him that he was not even close to making a decision on whether or not he will continue to play next season. Soon after, Brady’s agent Don Lee released a statement. “I understand the advance speculation about Tom’s future. 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.”
Lee continued, “He knows the realities of the football business and planning calendar as well as anybody, so that should be soon.” Schefter has jumped the gun on stories in the past and been wrong, so this raised the question: Was Tom Brady really planning on retiring?
On Feb. 12, Brady himself made an announcement on Instagram. “I am not going to make that competitive commitment anymore. I have loved my NFL career, and now it is time to focus my time and energy on other things that require my attention,” Brady said. “I’ve done a lot of reflecting the past week and have asked myself difficult questions. And I am so proud of what we have achieved. 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.”
Throughout the course of Brady’s NFL career, he has accomplished many accolades and set countless NFL records. Some of these include most Super Bowl titles (7), most games won by a player (278), most completions (8,428), most passing yards (97,568) and most game winning drives (67).
Not only has Brady’s career had a large impact on the record books, but it has also had a profound impact on football players across the country. Senior quarterback Barrett Lindmark has long looked up to Brady. “Growing up as a quarterback and seeing all the success Brady’s had, he’s very inspiring and someone I look up to. The game of football will definitely be different without him,” said Lindmark.
Brady’s retirement will certainly have an impact on football players and fans across the country. He has arguably contributed more to the game of football than any other player in the history of the NFL. His legacy will be remembered forever.
Joel Lawlor • Feb 11, 2022 at 4:55 pm
Brady’s retirement will just allow the focus on younger quarterbacks in the league to step up and become the new face of the NFL.
Ryan Groenenboom • Feb 11, 2022 at 8:07 am
I always loved the argument of was Tom a system QB and I think he proved to most people that he was not after he left New England. Now people have their doubts about Belichick and if he is legit. Good article!!
Colin Meyer • Feb 10, 2022 at 4:34 pm
Tom Brady will be forever known as the GOAT of football. He has certainly had a great impact on many people around the country. Everyone will be sad to see him leave, but his time in the NFL will certainly be remembered for years to come.