Tom Brady to retire from the NFL at age 44: Reports

After an extraordinary career littered with trophies and records, Tom Brady is retiring from the NFL, according to US media reports.

Tom Brady suspension upheld
A file photograph showing New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, centre, celebrates the team's win over the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, US, February 1, 2015. According to reports, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has upheld a four-game suspension without pay of Brady for his role in deflating footballs in a playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts. The decision was released by the commissioner on July 28, 2015 [File]

Tom Brady is retiring from the NFL after an unprecedented career in which he won seven Super Bowls and set numerous passing records, according to his company’s Twitter account and several US media reports.

The 44-year-old Brady goes out after leading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a Super Bowl title last season and NFC South championship this season.

Brady’s TB12sports Twitter account wrote: “7 Super Bowl Rings. 5 Super Bowl MVPs. 3 League MVP Awards. 22 Incredible Seasons. Thank you for it all, @TomBrady.”

ESPN first reported Brady’s retirement on Saturday, citing unidentified sources.

tom brady admires the vince lombardi trophy
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady looks at the Vince Lombardi trophy after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL Super Bowl 55 [File: David J. Phillip/AP Photo]

Brady had cited a desire to spend more time with his wife and children despite still playing at the top of his game. He led the NFL in yards passing (5,316), touchdowns (43), completions (485) and attempts (719), but the Buccaneers lost at home to the Los Angeles Rams last Sunday in the divisional round.

Brady won six Super Bowls with the New England Patriots in 20 seasons playing for coach Bill Belichick. He joined the Buccaneers in 2020 and led them to the second Super Bowl title in franchise history.

Brady leaves the games as the career leader in yards passing (84,520) and touchdowns (624). He is the only player to win more than five Super Bowls and was the most valuable player (MVP) of the game five times.

Widely considered the greatest quarterback to play the game, Brady won three NFL MVP awards, was a first-team All-Pro three times and was selected to the Pro Bowl 15 times. He was 243-73 in his career in the regular season and 35-12 in the playoffs.

Source: AP