Open letter to Tom Brady - Thank you for taking us on a magical ride

Dear Tom,

Thank you. These were the first words that came to mind.

They aren't too profound. But when thinking about what covers the bases for all in the NFL community — fans, reporters, rivals and the like — it seems to do it in the clearest, most concise and compelling manner.

For those who followed you from the initial days with the New England Patriots as a long-shot sixth-round draft choice — when your agent told you it might be smarter for pick No. 199 to rent than buy — thank you for taking us all on a magical, memorable 20-year ride. Many feel a connection to you because of that.

Those who connected with the greatness the past two years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers surely feel similarly. You helped restore the franchise, which hadn't been to the playoffs since 2007, to relevance and greatness once again.

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And for those who view you a little differently, the «thank you» still applies. They're no doubt thankful you reportedly plan to call it a career. When you win as much as you did, it didn't always make you the most likable superstar.

Here's what this letter-writer would highlight to those curious about what stood out most from covering the first 20 years of your career: It always seemed like as committed as you were to being the best quarterback and teammate, it was equally as important to you being a good son, husband and father.

That's why, after prime-time games, you'd always sign off by saying hello to parents Tom Sr. and Galynn, and making sure to let your wife, Gisele Bündchen, and kids Jack, Benny and Vivian, know