(Sports news) Tom Brady, arguably the greatest NFL player in the history of the sport, has announced his retirement after 22 seasons. He leaves behind a legacy of having won more Super Bowls (seven) than any 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. The quarterback played the final two seasons of his career at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and announced his decision to retire on social media.

In a statement released by Brady, he said “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. There is a physical, mental, and emotional challenge EVERY single day that has allowed me to maximise 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. 

"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 in 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."

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."

Brady was selected by the Patriots as the 199th pick at the 2000 NFL Draft and has since claimed records for all-time completions (7,263), passing yards (84,520), passing touchdowns (624), starts (316), Pro Bowl selections and Super Bowl MVPs and never had a losing season during his time with the Patriots or the Buccaneers. It’s fair to say that Brady is retiring at a high point in his career, coming back from his most productive NFL season to date after throwing a league-high 5.316 passing yards alongside 43 touchdowns. In his 40’s, Brady had more touchdown passes (168) than in his 20’s (147).

Tampa Bay Buccaneers owners’ the Glazer family said “Tom arrived in Tampa Bay with an unprecedented level of expectations and delivered some of the most memorable moments in our franchise history. His impact on our team and community was immediate and profound. Tom's remarkable NFL journey has come to an end, but we will continue to celebrate his legendary career as the greatest quarterback of all time and are appreciative and grateful for the time he spent as a Buccaneer. Saying goodbye to a legend is never easy, but we wish him continued success in retirement."

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