Tom Brady announces retirement 'for good' after 23 NFL seasons

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By James Kay

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Tom Brady - the legendary NFL player - has announced that he is retiring "for good" after 23 seasons in the sport.

Brady initially retired in February 2022, but it turned into a short-lived time off the field after he reversed the decision and made a comeback in March of the same year.

After retirement, the NFL quarterback tweeted: "These past two months I’ve realized my place is still on the field and not in the stands. That time will come. But it’s not now.

"I love my teammates, and I love my supportive family. They make it all possible. I’m coming back for my 23rd season in Tampa. Unfinished business."

The 45-year-old played for the New York Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during his career, amassing seven Super Bowl wins. He now ends his career as the NFL's all-time leader in passing yards (89.214) and touchdown passes (649).

Brady called time on his playing career in a video posted to social media, where he acknowledged that this is his second time declaring his retirement.

"Good morning guys. I’ll get to the point right away. I’m retiring. For good," he began the video. "I know the process was a pretty big deal last time so when I woke up this morning I figured I’d just press record and let you guys know first."

"Won’t be longwinded. You only get one super emotional retirement essay and I used mine up last year," Brady jokingly said.

He continued: "So really thank you guys so much, to every single one of you for supporting me. My family, my friends, teammates, my competitors, I could go on forever, there are too many. Thank you guys for allowing me to live my absolute dream. I wouldn’t change a thing. Love you all."

Brady's other staggering career statistics include being a five-time Super Bowl MVP, a three-time league MVP, and a 15-time Pro Bowler, per Sky Sports.

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Brady won seven Super Bowls during his career. Credit: McClatchy-Tribune / Alamy

The outlet also reported that Brady signed a lucrative deal worth $462 million to become Fox Sports' lead NFL analyst for the next 10 years following his retirement, so this probably isn't the last we've seen of him.

The quarterback spent 20 seasons with the Patriots, winning six Super Bowls as well as three MVP awards leaving some to declare him the greatest to ever play the sport.

Featured image credit: Cal Sport Media / Alamy