Tom Brady Announces Retirement After 22 Years in NFL: Sports Illustrated’s Complete Coverage

Our look back at the GOAT’s time in the league and reaction and analysis from his retirement announcement.

SI Staff | Feb 1, 2022

Tom Brady Announces Retirement After 22 Years in NFL: Sports Illustrated’s Complete Coverage /

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tom Brady announced his retirement from the NFL on Tuesday via his Instagram account after 22 seasons, seven Super Bowl titles and three MVP awards.

The announcement ended a weekend full of speculation after ESPN's Adam Schefter and Jeff Darlington first reported the move.

“I have always believed the sport of football is an 'all-in' proposition—if a 100% competitive commitment isn't there, you won't succeed, and success is what I love so much about our game,” the 44-year-old Brady wrote. “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.”

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Here is a look at Sports Illustrated’s coverage of Brady’s career and retirement announcement:

Feb. 1, 2022: Tom Brady announces retirement from NFL

tom brady (6) — Vincent Carchietta/USA TODAY Sports

News and reaction from Tuesday, as the 44-year-old ended days’ worth of speculation around his playing status since the Buccaneers were eliminated from the NFL playoffs:

News and Reaction:

Analysis and Features:

Greg Bishop: How Tom Brady, the Person and the Process, Made Success Seem Routine
Conor Orr: The Void, and Opportunity, That Comes With Brady’s Exit
Fantasy Football: Why Brady Was the All-Time Roster GOAT

Social media: Best reactions from the interwebs

2014 1116 Rob Gronkowski Tom Brady X15-1-1-1 — David E. Klutho/Sports Illustrated

A look at some of the top reactions from throughout the sports world, from athletes to teams:

"It was an honor and a privilege to compete against him on the field, and I truly appreciate his friendship off the field."

Peyton Manning on @TomBrady's retirement: pic.twitter.com/yuGQwCCn6B
— Omaha Productions (@OmahaProd) February 1, 2022

Congrats to the 🐐, @tombrady on your retirement. 22 seasons, 7 championships, 3 MVPs, countless records. True greatness.

Can’t wait to see what you do next. #Legend #TB12 pic.twitter.com/77l0tvSmej
— Alex Rodriguez (@AROD) February 1, 2022

The GREATEST to ever do it!!!!
Thank you @TomBrady for inspiring me and generations of sport People.
Ps: your 7th ring is mine 😉
👑👑👑👑👑👑👑 pic.twitter.com/HJBTsRYo5k
— Didier Drogba (@didierdrogba) February 1, 2022

Thank you @TomBrady for 22 years that gave us 7 Super Bowls, several broken records, and making every teammate you played with better. That’s why you are the GOAT (& I normally don’t say anything good about Wolverines lol!).
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) February 1, 2022

But seriously, congrats on a first-ballot, Hall of Fame career, @TomBrady.

We may not miss seeing you on the field, but the entire football world will. pic.twitter.com/sgvPfpUa7B
— New York Jets (@nyjets) February 1, 2022