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A16 sports
Wednesday 2 February 2022
Tom Brady retires after 22 seasons, 7 Super Bowl titles

By ROB MAADDI when New England beat
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Tom the Rams following the
Brady, the most successful 2018 season.
quarterback in NFL history, He joined the Buccaneers
has retired after winning in 2020 amid a pandemic,
seven Super Bowls and set- instantly transforming a
ting numerous passing re- franchise that hadn't won
cords in an unprecedented a playoff game in 18 years.
22-year career. His buddy Rob Gronkowski
"This is difficult for me to came out of retirement to
write, but here it goes: I join him and they helped
am not going to make that the Buccaneers become
competitive commitment the first team to play in a
anymore," Brady wrote in a Super Bowl in its stadium.
lengthy post on Instagram. "He set a standard and
"I have loved my NFL ca- helped create a culture
reer, and now it is time to that took our team to the
focus my time and energy mountaintop," Arians said.
on other things that require Brady reached the playoffs
my attention." 19 times, won 18 division
Brady has long stated his titles, went 10-4 in confer-
desire to spend more time ence championships and
with his wife, supermodel 7-3 in Super Bowls.
Gisele Bundchen, and After starting his first game
three children despite still on Sept. 30, 2001, Brady
playing at the top of his was under center for ev-
game. ery game except when he
The 44-year-old Brady goes suffered a season-ending
out after leading the Tam- knee injury in Week 1 in 2008
pa Bay Buccaneers to a and the first four games
Super Bowl title last season Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski, left, and quarterback Tom Brady (12) cel- in 2016 when he sat out a
and NFC South champion- ebrate after the NFL Super Bowl 55 football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Tampa, Fla., suspension because of the
ship this season. Feb. 7, 2021. deflated footballs scandal.
News of Brady's pending Associated Press "An incredible competi-
retirement leaked Satur- tor and leader, his stellar
day. His family and the his trainer Alex Guerrero, passing (5,316), touch- extraordinary," Licht said. career is remarkable for its
Buccaneers denied that he agents Don Yee and Steve downs (43), completions "I wish we had more time longevity but also for the
had made a final decision, Dubin and his family in his (485) and attempts (719) in with Tom, but I understand sustained excellence he
and he said Monday night nine-page post. He didn't 2021, but the Buccaneers and respect his decision to displayed year after year,"
on his SiriusXM podcast he mention the New England lost at home to the Los An- leave the game in order to NFL Commissioner Roger
wasn't ready to finalize his Patriots, where he spent geles Rams in the divisional spend more time with his Goodell said in a state-
plans. his first 20 seasons and won round. family." ment.
That came Tuesday morn- six Super Bowls. Of course, Brady leaves as the ca- Brady went from 199th pick Known for his work ethic,
ing. Brady thanked the Patriots reer leader in yards passing in the 2000 draft to replac- intense exercise regimen
"I've done a lot of reflecting and coach Bill Belichick af- (84,520) and TDs (624). He's ing an injured Drew Bledsoe and strict diet, Brady was
the past week and have ter he left the team to sign the only player to win more in 2001 and leading New better with age.
asked myself difficult ques- with the Buccaneers two than five Super Bowls and England to a Super Bowl After turning 37, Brady won
tions," Brady said. "And I am years ago. was MVP of the game five victory over the heavily fa- four Super Bowls and was
so proud of what we have Brady said he's still figur- times. vored Rams that season. 17-4 in the playoffs. He was
achieved. My teammates, ing out how he'll spend his Widely considered the Brady led the Patriots to 95-30, completed 65.2% of
coaches, fellow competi- time, but he plans to be greatest quarterback to consecutive Super Bowl his passes for 35,371 yards,
tors, and fans deserve 100% involved in his TB12 health play the game, Brady won titles following the 2003-04 265 TDs, 69 interceptions
of me, but right now, it's and wellness company, three NFL MVP awards, was seasons. No team has since and 100.2 passer rating in
best I leave the field of play Brady clothing line and NFT a first-team All-Pro three repeated as champions. the regular season in those
to the next generation of company. times and was selected to But New England wouldn't eight seasons.
dedicated and committed "I know for sure I want to the Pro Bowl 15 times. He win another one for a de- "I have always believed the
athletes." spend a lot of time giving was 243-73 in his career in cade, twice losing to the sport of football is an 'all-
Brady thanked the Buc- to others and trying to en- the regular season and 35- New York Giants in the Su- in' proposition — if a 100%
caneers organization, his rich other people's lives, just 12 in the playoffs. per Bowl, including a 17-14 competitive commitment
teammates, ownership, as so many have done for "To finish a 22-year career defeat on Feb. 3, 2008, that isn't there, you won't suc-
general manager Jason me," he said. while still performing at his prevented the Patriots from ceed, and success is what
Licht, coach Bruce Arians, Brady led the NFL in yards peak was nothing short of completing a perfect sea- I love so much about our
son.
game," Brady said. "There
LIKE US ON Brady earned his fourth ring is a physical, mental, and
after the 2014 season. Two emotional challenge every
years later, in the biggest single day that has allowed
Super Bowl comeback, he me to maximize my highest
led the Patriots out of a 28-3 potential. And I have tried
deficit in the third quarter my very best these past 22
against Atlanta to win in years. There are no short-
Facebook.com/arubatoday/ overtime for No. 5. Brady cuts to success on the field
got his sixth championship or in life."q