Tom Brady has announced that he is retiring from the NFL after 22 seasons and seven Super Bowl victories.
The quarterback, who played his final two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, confirmed his decision in a statement released on social media on Tuesday.
In a lengthy post shared to his Instagram and Twitter pages, the 44-year-old stated: "This is difficult for me to write, but here it goes: I am not going to make that competitive commitment anymore."
Take a look at Tom Brady's emotional retirement post right here:
He went on: "I have loved my NFL career, and now it is time to focus my time and energy on other things that require my attention.
"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."
It marks the end to an extraordinary career across which he won more Super Bowls (seven) than anyone team in NFL history, as well as being a three-time NFL MVP, five-time Super Bowl MVP, a 15-time Pro Bowler, two-time NFL Offensive Player of the Year and a member of the past two All-Decade teams and the NFL's 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.
"I have always believed that the sport of football is an 'all-in' proposition - if a 100 percent competitive commitment isn't there, you won't succeed, and success is what I love so much about our game," Brady said in his statement.
"There is a physical, mental, and emotional challenge EVERY single day that has allowed me to maximize my highest potential. And I have tried my very best these past 22 years. There are no shortcuts to success on the field or in life."
He added: "This is difficult for me to write, but here it goes: 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.
"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 percent of me, but right now, it's best I leave the field of play to the next generation of dedicated and committed athletes."
Throughout his lengthy statement, Brady also thanked Buccaneers fans for the "support and embrace" that he says has enriched his life, adding: "I have been honored to play for such a passionate and fun fan base. What a Krewe!!!"
He added: "My playing career has been such a thrilling ride, and far beyond my imagination, and full of ups and downs.
"When you're in it every day, you really don't think about any kind of ending. As I sit here now, however, I think of all the great players and coaches I was privileged to play with and against - the competition was fierce and deep, JUST HOW WE LIKE IT. But the friendships and relationships are just as fierce and deep. I will remember and cherish these memories and re-visit them often. I feel like the luckiest person in the world.
"The future is exciting...I am going to take it day by day. I know for sure I want to spend a lot of time giving to others and trying to enrich other people's lives, just so many have done for me."
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