Tom Brady has finally called it a career after 22 seasons in the NFL. Some fans are rejoining the news, having waited two decades for his reign to come to an end, but others are taking a step back to try and truly comprehend how amazing his career was and how lucky we all were to have witnessed it.
Fans and players from around the NFL took to Twitter to go through all of the emotions of Brady’s retirement. There was joy, trolling, laughing, crying, rejoicing, and reminiscing. Love him or hate him, Tom Brady’s career is unlike anything we’ve seen before and will stand in exclusive company as one of the most iconic sports careers in history.
Bucs players weren’t the only ones paying tribute to Brady and his career. Players around the league, from J.J. Watt — who also recently retired — to Patrick Mahomes were giving Brady his flowers after his announcement made the rounds.
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) February 1, 2023
Greatest of All Time.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) February 1, 2023
No question, no debate.
It’s been an honor and a privilege.
🐐
PS - The newly retired group meets on the golf course every morning at 10am. Drinks are on the new guy, so bring your wallet. https://t.co/rjPx7bQa6u
Congrats Tom. 👑
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) February 1, 2023
Salute to the Greatest. 🐐 #12 https://t.co/3l1ZxzdIoQ
Good thing we always seem to have this photo available — please don’t make us use it again. 😂
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) February 1, 2023
In all seriousness, congrats to an incredible competitor on an unbelievable career. https://t.co/Rd1JXIP2Tx pic.twitter.com/cmuk0zzvhT
I would post a tribute to Tom but did one last year. No more. Congrats on a great career, buddy! https://t.co/ERf2w9MrRA
— Matt Cassel (@M_Cassel16) February 1, 2023
THE GOAT 🐐 https://t.co/KWfHBZJbd9
— Will Compton (@_willcompton) February 1, 2023
Legendary!!!! It was a Pleasure to Watch #Goat https://t.co/ENdyk23PHM
— Marcus Spears (@mspears96) February 1, 2023
The question now is whether or not Brady will stay retired this time around. We did this whole song and dance last offseason, when he essentially unretired to own Adam Schefter for stepping on his initial announcement.
This time things seem to be a little more official. Brady walks away from the game as one of the most decorated players in history, and as perhaps the greatest player to have ever played the game. His three MVPs, five Super Bowl MVPs, and seven Super Bowl rings are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all that he accomplished in his career.
Love him or hate him, Tome Brady has been synonymous with the NFL for the last two decades. It’s a little wild that we’re going to be living in a world where Brady is no longer playing professional football — a world that we haven’t lived in since 2000 — and it’s clear he’s left an indelible mark on the game and its fans.