Sports World Reacts to Tom Brady's Retirement

Sports fans, personalities, and players react to Tom Brady announcing his official retirement.

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New England Patriots quarterback, Tom Brady, officially announced his intentions to retire "for good" early Wednesday morning. The announcement came via Tom Brady's social media pages in a short, emotional, and to-the-point video. 

This is Brady's second retirement, but it does actually seem to be the real deal this time around. With the announcement, many from around the sports world - whether a fan, personality, or players - shared their thoughts and gratitude for the greatest NFL quarterback, and perhaps player, of all-time.

READ MORE: Buccaneers Teammates React to Tom Brady's Retirement Announcement

Mayor of Tampa, FL, Jane Castor

The GOAT will always be a part of our Champa Bay family. 🏆 Thank you, @TomBrady, for the grit, spirit, and amazing memories. We'll look for you on the golf course!

— Jane Castor (@JaneCastor) February 1, 2023

Former Houston Texans' and Arizona Cardinals' DE, JJ Watt

Greatest of All Time.

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

— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) February 1, 2023

College Gameday and Thursday Night Football broadcaster, Kirk Herbstreit

The greatest to ever do it. https://t.co/YBxsv4QY0e

— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) February 1, 2023

Former Colts’ punter and current media personality, Pat McAfee

🗣 THANK YOU TOM https://t.co/3ASnEuBngv

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 1, 2023

All-time great Bucs’ LB, Derrick Brooks

Congratulations @TomBrady on an incredible career & we enjoyed your time in #ChampaBay 🏆 @Buccaneers

See you in Canton in 5 years! 🏈 @ProFootballHOF pic.twitter.com/2PevnHdy56

— Derrick Brooks (@DBrooks55) February 1, 2023

Former New York Yankees’ SS, Derek Jeter

Congrats @TomBrady on an unbelievable career. It was fun to watch! https://t.co/zkobgugR52

— Derek Jeter (@derekjeter) February 1, 2023

Sunday NFL Countdown Host, Samantha Ponder

Barstool Sports President, Dave Portnoy

Just 2 kids graduating Michigan together and then moving to New England wide eyed and bushy tailed. What a run. So many many memories. So many wars we went through together. Best player of all time. Best teammate I ever played with. 💍💍💍💍💍💍 https://t.co/T18iSMi57H

— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) February 1, 2023

Sports Personality, Stephen A. Smith

.@stephenasmith reacts to Tom Brady's retirement:

"He'll be remembered as the greatest ever. ... You don't just talk about him as a football player, you talk about him as a leader." pic.twitter.com/HaDokAPSrb

— First Take (@FirstTake) February 1, 2023

Actor, Jeremy Piven

You did it all my man. leading with Garatatude , perfect . What a flat out inspiration it’s been witnessing your journey @TomBrady change isn’t for sissies ( take it from me ) yet we learn to embrace it . You could’ve played for ever and technically you did. Thank you Tom https://t.co/wzvudkdfkE

— Jeremy Piven (@jeremypiven) February 1, 2023

Denver Broncos' QB, Russell Wilson

Congrats Tom. 👑
Salute to the Greatest. 🐐 #12 https://t.co/3l1ZxzdIoQ

— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) February 1, 2023

Former NFL CB, Darrelle Revis

you are a special one. congrats on a great career. you will be written in the books as the greatest to ever play the game we love. @TomBrady

— Darrelle Revis (@Revis24) February 1, 2023

Current NFL analyst and Former NFL player, Robert Griffin III

Tom Brady is the 🐐

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) February 1, 2023

Former NFL QB, Mark Sanchez

Congrats on a great career run @TomBrady 🐐🐐🐐 pic.twitter.com/coxvib6NJx

— Mark Sanchez (@Mark_Sanchez) February 1, 2023

ESPN analyst, Marcus Spears

Tom shutting it down and I thought he should !! Enjoy your next chapter Goat! You Gave everything you had and It was better than anyone else’s in winning and Leading!!! 🙏🏾 @TomBrady=Goat

— Marcus Spears (@mspears96) February 1, 2023

Former NFL QB and current NFL analyst, Dan Orlovsky

🐐
Thank you@TomBrady

— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) February 1, 2023

Former Buccaneer Great, CB Ronde Barber

It was a pleasure watching you thrive in Tampa, Tom! Best of luck in whatever is next. And, no excuses now on that golf game! 🏌️😁 https://t.co/gGTZUJevoX

— Rondé Barber (@rondebarber) February 1, 2023

Former Buccaneers' QB, Brad Johnson

Former Patriots' WR and Brady best friend, Julian Edelman

You only get one super emotional reaction to the goat retiring, and I used mine up. So I’ll just say this. Learning from you as a player, teammate, leader, son, brother, and father has been the experience of a lifetime. Love you buddy. ❤️🐐

PS. Pickleball partners? pic.twitter.com/otauEND3Fd

— Julian Edelman (@Edelman11) February 1, 2023

Former Patriots' teammate, James White

Love ya bro❤️ it was a pleasure! https://t.co/MilAiUjy2r

— James White (@SweetFeet_White) February 1, 2023

Former teammate, Jason McCourty

Thank you @TomBrady !!!

🐐 🐐 🐐 #goat pic.twitter.com/ngsSzGpBDn

— Jason McCourty (@JasonMcCourty) February 1, 2023

Former Saints' and current Eagles' CB, C.J. Gardner-Johnson

Cardinals' Safety, Budda Baker

It Was an honor to play against the 🐐 for the first time of my career last year. Good luck with life after the game. @TomBrady

— Budda Baker (@Buddabaker3) February 1, 2023

READ MORE: Tom Brady Has Harsh Reaction to Former Patriots Teammate

We will keep this article updated throughout the week to collect the reaction from those across the sports world as we reflect on Brady's career in Tampa Bay and New England.

Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the 2023 offseason.

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