Tom Brady leaving Patriots: Is ending the era now the right move?

Tom Brady confirmed on Tuesday that he won’t be returning to the New England Patriots but, after their historic run, is it the right time to end the era?

At the first mention of Tom Brady leaving the New England Patriots in 2020 NFL free agency, there was a common refrain from many fans: I’ll believe it when it actually happens. On Tuesday morning, the confirmation that many needed was delivered by the future Hall of Fame quarterback himself.

Brady took to social media to thank the Patriots organization and fans for his 20 years of service in the league but also to tell his fans and the world that he will be suiting up for another team as he turns 43 years old for the 2020 NFL season.

Six Super Bowls later, Tuesday is the end to an unbelievably successful era, the Belichick-Brady dynasty:

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At this point in his career, many may question Tom Brady for leaving New England and Bill Belichick. It’s the only team, head coach and system he’s ever played in, so waiting until his early 40s to shake that up might seem like an odd decision. For the quarterback and his unique situation, however, it’s the right call to walk away (even if the Patriots were interested in re-signing him).

Like him or not, Brady is an elite competitor and athlete. And when you look back at the annals of history in sports and the all-time greats, they were separated by an unrelenting desire to prove themselves. Brady has done that but, as he ventures into uncharted territory in terms of his age, he has the opportunity to do it once more by proving he can not only win a Super Bowl at 43 or beyond but that he can do it without Belichick.

Furthermore, though No. 12 has made an absurd amount of money from endorsements and the like, this is truly the first time he’s ever been courted as a free agent. In fact, Brady routinely took (extremely) team-friendly deals to stay with the Patriots, which is to his credit. But it’s only human nature to want to be wooed and paid like one of the all-time greats if that’s what you clearly are. Such is the case here.

Considering that we don’t know where Brady is heading, it’s impossible to say with certainty whether or not leaving the Patriots is the right decision. He could flame out gloriously without Belichick. He could win another Super Bowl. And there are hundreds of outcomes in-between.

But when you look at how Brady’s career has played out to this point both on the field and in contract negotiations and the position he currently sits in, you can’t fault the quarterback for making this decision. Oh, and for all those non-believers out there, get ready to see Tom Brady in something other than a New England Patriots get-up.