Goodbye to the GOAT

02/02/2023 Goodbye to the GOAT

By: Jeff Yoder

Tom Brady Officially Retires From NFL (Again) After 23 Seasons, 7 Super Bowls & the Undisputed G.O.A.T. Status

Exactly one year ago yesterday, Tom Brady retired from the NFL, then returned a month later. Now, it’s official. Yesterday’s top story — one that will continue throughout the offseason — is the GOAT’s legitimate retirement and his next move off the field. At 45 years old, Brady leaves the NFL with nearly every record imaginable, but he won’t say goodbye to football for good. He’s heading to the booth with FOX Sports as a broadcaster, and fans will get their Brady fix on Sundays for the foreseeable future.

 

The announcement was made with less flash and more sincerity than expected. Brady simply recorded a short video on his phone and posted it to social media after notifying the Buccaneers, and a day of “Tom-foolery” was unleashed in the sports world. Debates, analysis, and trips down memory lane filled the airwaves, and they’ll continue to do so. The greatest winner of the 21st century rides off into the sunset.

 

“I know the process was a pretty big deal last time, so when I woke up this morning, I figured I’d just press record and let you guys know first… I won’t be long-winded. You only get one super emotional retirement essay, and I used mine up last year, so really thank you guys so much to every single one of you for supporting me.” — Tom Brady

 

Watch: Tom Brady’s Retirement Announcement Video

 

Tom Brady’s Accomplishments (By the Numbers)

  • 23 Seasons
  • 89,214 Passing Yards (1st All-Time)
  • 649 Passing Touchdowns (1st All-Time)
  • 7-Time Super Bowl Champion
  • 5-Time Super Bowl MVP
  • 3-Time NFL MVP
  • 6-Time All Pro
  • 15 Pro Bowls

 

We wrote this similar story exactly one year ago, but this one is expected to stick. So long, Tom Brady — the most obsessive winner the NFL has ever seen. See you in the booth!

 

Additional Storylines

NBC Sports: Ranking the Top Moments From Tom Brady’s Career (Video)

SI: Tom Brady Defined & Connected Generations of Football Players

The Ringer: Tom Brady is Retiring a Year Too Late, But Now Has No Lingering Questions

CBS Sports: How Tom Brady’s Departure Affects 2023 QB Carousel for Bucs, 49ers, Raiders & Others

 

Photo: Kevin Sabitus / Getty Images