Read Tom Brady's full farewell message to the NFL
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
Tom Brady officially announced his retirement from football Tuesday.
He posted a lengthy statement
The full statement is below.
"I have always believed the sport of football is an 'all-in' proposition. If a 100% competitive commitment isn't there, you wont' 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 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% of me, but right now, it's best I leave the field of play to the next generation of dedicated and committed athletes.
"To my Bucs teammates the past two years, I love you guys, and I have loved going to battle with you. You have dug so deep to challenge yourselves, and it inspired me to wake up every day and give you my best. I am always here for you guys and want to see you continue to push yourselves to be your best. I couldn't be happier with what we accomplished together.
"To all the Bucs fans, thank you. I didn't know what to expect when I arrived here, but your support and embrace have enriched my life and that of my family. I have been honored to play for such a passionate and fun fan base. What a Krewe!!!
"To the city of Tampa and the entire Tampa-St. Petersburg region, thank you. It has been wonderful to be a resident of such a fun place to live. I want to be invited to our next boat parade!
"To the Glazer family, thank you for taking a chance on me and supporting me. I know I was demanding at times, but you provided everything we needed to win and your ownership was everything a player could ask for.
"To Jason Licht, thank you for your daily support and friendship - I will never forget it. I had never been through free agency, and I had some trepidation about how we could achieve success. Your leadership gave me confidence, and I will always be grateful.
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"To my head coach Bruce Arians, thanks for putting up with me! Your firm leadership and guidance were ideal. There is no way we could have had success without your experience, intuition, and wisdom. I am very grateful.
"To all the Bucs coaches, my sincere thanks for all the hard work, dedication, and discipline that goes into creating a winning team. I have learned so much from all of you and will value the relationships we have.
"To every single Bucs staffer and employee, thank you. Each of you is critically important, and I was greeted with a smile every day. That means so much to me. Your work is made up of long hours and hard tasks, but please know I see each and every one of you. Thank you so much.
"To Alex Guerrero, thank you. I could never have made every Sunday without you; it's that simple. Your dedication to your craft and our friendship and brotherhood are immeasurable. We have an unbreakable bond, and I love you.
"To Don Yee and Steve Dubin, thank you. You've been with me every step of the way since I left the University of Michigan and before I entered the league. What a journey it's been, and I couldn't do it without you.
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"To my parents and entire family (and extended family of countless friends), I love you and thank you for your never-ending support and love. I could never have imagined the time and energy you have given for me the past 30 years in football. I can never repay you. And just know I love you so much.
"And lastly to my wife, Gisele, and my children Jack, Benny and Vivi. You are my inspiration. Our family is my greatest achievement. I always came off the field and home to the most loving and supportive wife who has done EVERYTHING for our family to allow me to focus on my career. Her selflessness allowed me to reach new heights professionally, and I am beyond words what you mean to me and our family. Te amo amor da minha vida.
"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 keep. 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'm fortunate to have cofounded incredible companies like @autograph.io, @bradybrand, @tb12sports that I am excited to continue to help build and grow, but exactly what my days will look like will be a work-in-progress. As I said earlier, 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 as so many have done for me."
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The man who set a record for NFL records went out the way he came in. I remember when he began. He replaced a Patriot QB named Drew Bledsoe. We remember Bledsoe as the guy who seemed to be picking up his brains after every other play. As soon as Brady arrived at the Patriot's practice camp somebody asked him who he was. He said "I'm going to be your new QB." Today he mentioned many he people. There was no mention of the Patriots.
That is a slight to the fans of New England. I think he will regret it.
well , maybe , maybe not , for all but 2 years of his NFL career what other team/s did he play for where he set his records ?
even though he moved to a different team , he still carried many fans in new england and elsewhere .
i think he will always be looked at as a New England Patriot just for the sheer amount of time he played for that team .
Now if he had chosen to go play for one of the New York teams , you might be right , He simply did what a lot of New Englanders do heading into retirement, he went to Florida .
Have to wait and see, there were questions as to if his jersey number would be retired by the club when he left , they didnt . now that he has officially retired , and no longer a competitor , i give it a year to see what the club does
NE has retired 6 numbers if i remember right .
We need more people like Tom Brady
Never been a fan of a Michigan man, but always have to respect the work he put in to make himself a legend.
C’mon man .... don’t be a hater now.
A great career and a underdog story to boot. Many forget that or never knew it in the first place
Lol .... I guess I should have used a sarcasm tag on that one.
He should run for POTUS. Don't Americans love heroes? His fame went beyond the USA. Although I was never a football fan, if someone asked me if I knew the name of an American football player, the only name I could think of was Tom Brady.