Seven-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady announces retirement

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady, the most successful player in NFL history, has announced his retirement.

The 44-year-old won six Super Bowls during his success-laden spell with the New England Patriots, before adding a record seventh in his first season with the Bucs.

It was reported in the week following Tampa Bay’s narrow loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFL Divisional round that Brady intended to call time on his record-breaking career.

The future Hall of Fame quarterback has now confirmed his 22nd NFL season was his last in a lengthy statement posted on social media.

❤️ pic.twitter.com/B3KKl7DFk3

— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) February 1, 2022

“I have always believed the sport of football is an ‘all-in’ proposition – if a 100 per cent competitive commitment isn’t there, you won’t succeed, and success is what I love so much about our game,” Brady said.

“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.

“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 per cent of me, but right now, it’s best I leave the field of play to the next generation of dedicated and committed athletes.”

Brady thanked his Bucs team-mates, general manager Jason Licht and head coach