Tom Brady announced his retirement from football on Tuesday, and while it wasn’t a surprise (given that it was leaked several days earlier), it’s still a landmark event. Brady is 44 and one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL this season, but he decided to go out while he was still playing at a high level.
There are fans and even players who haven’t known an NFL without Tom Brady. He brought joy and Super Bowls to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New England Patriots (even though he didn’t mention them in his retirement announcement). Despite the sadness that Brady is saying goodbye to football, everyone was ready to wish him well in the next chapter of his life.
Current and former NFL players sent messages of thanks and congratulations, and so did many NFL teams.
Tom Brady officially retired today@TomBrady you have been the ultimate competitor now go be the ultimate husband and father.
Love you bud
(No more excuses for getting your Butt kicked on the golf course)— Jay Feely (@jayfeely) February 1, 2022
I think I can officially do this.. When the time comes, When you know you know.. Congrats on the greatest career the @NFL has ever seen!! All love @TomBrady
— Charles Woodson (@CharlesWoodson) February 1, 2022
When I think about Tom Brady, he’s a true winner who handled himself with class throughout his entire career.
Even with those seven Super Bowl rings, he never lost that competitive fire to be the best.
Congratulations, @TomBrady, on a tremendous career! https://t.co/bXmwUo3bc8
— John Elway (@johnelway) February 1, 2022
Celebrities and other athletes sent him their best wishes for a great retirement.
Often times it’s hard to face the reality that the greats will one day hang it up. Hell of a career. Will be interesting to see where his professional life goes from here. https://t.co/5OO05tsj6V
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) February 1, 2022
Thank you @TomBrady for 22 years that gave us 7 Super Bowls, several broken records, and making every teammate you played with better. That’s why you are the GOAT (& I normally don’t say anything good about Wolverines lol!).
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) February 1, 2022
With a career like Brady’s there were plenty of stats and stories for people to share.
The closest Tom Brady came to his football career ending was on draft day. His father, Tom Sr., had rehearsed a consolation speech. He never had to give it. Twenty two years later, an unrivaled career comes to an end. pic.twitter.com/LLr9wtj8ek
— Seth Wickersham (@SethWickersham) February 1, 2022
When Tom Brady won his first Super Bowl in his second NFL season, he was the youngest starting QB to ever win a Super Bowl.
When Tom Brady won his last Super Bowl in his second-to-last season, he was the oldest starting QB to ever win a Super Bowl.
Greatness start-to-finish 🐐
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) February 1, 2022
And of course, there were jokes. Lots and lots of jokes.
would like video of the first time tom brady tries a dorito
— Brandy Jensen (@BrandyLJensen) February 1, 2022
Tom Brady’s kids praying this means they can finally try pizza
— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) February 1, 2022
Speak for yourselves but I certainly won’t be congratulating Tom Brady for quitting on his team. Despicable.
— Drew Magary (@drewmagary) February 1, 2022