Tom Brady leaves the NFL as the architect of one of the greatest sports dynasties ever

By Ben Morse, CNN

Updated 1625 GMT (0025 HKT) February 1, 2022

Photos: NFL legend Tom BradyTom Brady holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy after leading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a Super Bowl win in February 2021.Hide Caption1 of 36Photos: NFL legend Tom BradyBrady played college football at the University of Michigan. He started for the Wolverines in his junior and senior seasons, going 20-5.Hide Caption2 of 36Photos: NFL legend Tom BradyBrady grew up in San Mateo, California, and played football, basketball and baseball before joining Michigan.Hide Caption3 of 36Photos: NFL legend Tom BradyDespite his successful career at Michigan, Brady was not projected to be a star in the NFL. He was the 199th player taken in the NFL Draft. Many quarterbacks were taken before him.Hide Caption4 of 36Photos: NFL legend Tom BradyBrady started his career backing up Drew Bledsoe. But when Bledsoe was hurt in September 2001, Brady got his chance to shine. He took over as starter and led the Patriots all the way to the Super Bowl.Hide Caption5 of 36Photos: NFL legend Tom BradyBrady loses the ball after being hit by Oakland's Charles Woodson during an NFL playoff game in January 2002. The Patriots got the ball back and went on to win the game, but the controversial play was heavily debated in the offseason. The «tuck rule» was eventually repealed in 2013.Hide Caption6 of 36Photos: NFL legend Tom BradyThe 2001 season culminated in a Super Bowl victory for Brady and the Patriots in February 2002. They upset the heavily favored St. Louis Rams 20-17. Brady was named Super Bowl MVP, and he became the youngest quarterback to win a Super Bowl. He was 24.Hide Caption7 of 36Photos: NFL legend Tom BradyBrady and the Patriots were back in the Super Bowl