Tom Brady, the NFL’s most successful quarterback, made his retirement from the sport he has controlled for years official on Wednesday.

In a video posted on Twitter, Brady stated, “I know the process was a big deal last time, so I figured when I got up this morning, I’d just press record and let you guys know first.” I won’t talk for too long. You only get one extremely emotional retirement essay, and I used mine last year, so I’d want to thank everyone for their support.”

Brady was known for his unwavering dedication to winning, and it wasn’t until his final season that there were indications that his abilities were waning, but even then, he still threw for 4,694 yards, third-most in the NFL. It was the first time in Brady’s career as a starter that his Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a losing record, and they barely made the playoffs because the other NFC South teams were much worse. The Dallas Cowboys handily defeated them in the opening round of the playoffs.

Nearly as long as his career, Brady’s list of accomplishments is extensive. He has the most Super Bowl victories of any player in NFL history; he has one with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and six with the New England Patriots. In addition, he retains the NFL record for passing yards and touchdowns (649 overall) (89,214). Other less well-known facts about Brady are also impressive: no other quarterback has ever played in a Super Bowl after turning 40; he did it three times, winning two of them; he has appeared in roughly a fifth of all Super Bowls; and he has won 35 playoff games.

In the video released on Wednesday, Brady stated, “My family, my teammates, my friends, my competitors – I could go on forever; there are too many.” “I want to thank you all for allowing me to live my wildest dream. There is nothing I would alter. I love you all.

Brady has bid farewell before. A year ago, today, he made his official retirement announcement. Forty days later, citing “unfinished business,” he joined the Buccaneers again. However, Tampa was weakened by injuries, and Brady’s final season fizzled away as he seemed to be dealing with off-field concerns.

Brady was notably underestimated when he first graduated from college. The New England Patriots selected Brady after selecting 198 players, six quarterbacks, in the 2000 NFL Draft. Brady introduced himself by declaring, “I’m Tom Brady, and I’m the best decision this org has ever made,” as later recalled by Patriots owner Robert Kraft.

Brady was on point. He began as the backup quarterback for Drew Bledsoe in New England before gradually working his way up. Brady took over after Bledsoe suffered an injury early in the 2001 campaign and hardly looked back. He would win three NFL MVP awards, seven Super Bowl championships, and almost every meaningful quarterback record in league history.

In 2021, Bill Belichick, the head coach of the New England Patriots team under which Brady won six championships, said: “I think I’ve been on the record dozens of times saying there’s no quarterback I’d rather have than Tom Brady, and I still feel that way. “Tom was as good a quarterback as any coach could ever hope for, and I was very blessed to have him as my player,” said the coach.

On Wednesday, Brady received tribute from his fellow athletes.

Most outstanding of all time. No issue, no discussion. JJ Watt, a three-time NFL defensive player of the year, said on Twitter that it had been an honor and a privilege.

In the same way that Brady dominated the NFL, former New York Yankees star Derek Jeter praised the quarterback for his “unbelievable career.” Watching it was enjoyable.

Brady will now focus on his lucrative off-field pursuits. He has enterprises in fashion and fitness, and just last year, he agreed to a 10-year broadcasting contract with Fox Sports. The $375 million agreement, according to The New York Post, is more expensive than the $332 million Brady was paid as an NFL player.