Tom Brady retires from the NFL, leaving as one of the game’s greatest

After 22 years and seven Super Bowl Championships, Tom Brady has retired from the NFL, leaving as one of football’s greatest players. 

It has happened, a thought that no one could have imagined or at least believed. Tom Brady, one of the NFL’s greatest players, has retired. After 22 seasons, several passing records, and seven Super Bowl championships, No. 12 is hanging up his cleats. No doubt he is on his way to the Hall of Fame.

Several players and members of the NFL paid their respects to Brady on his career, including Patrick Mahomes, whom Brady has played in the postseason and regular season and beaten.

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Tom Brady has built such an illustrious career that it is hard to put into words that he won’t be in the league anymore

What can you say about Tom Brady? A sixth-round draft pick in 2000 who was once the fourth-string quarterback on the depth chart. It took a hit from Mo Lewis on Drew Bledsoe to put the former Michigan Wolverine in the starting lineup. Since then, the journey for Boston has been fortunate, heartbreaking at times, and just an excellent time for football for a region that was football purgatory for a long time.

2001 was the start of it all with Super Bowl 36 and the upset over The Greatest Show on Turf. Two more wins against Carolina and Philadelphia only added to the greatness. Three out of four years produced Super Bowl parades, and Brady was part of everyone.

However, there were times when it was tough as a Patriot fan, even in Brady’s tenure. From 2005-2014, two Super Bowl losses, including the 18-1 in 2007, had the Foxborough faithful wondering if they would ever see another Super Bowl title. But then came redemption in the desert in Super Bowl XLIX. Malcolm Butler’s pick against the Seahawks was enough to seal the deal and deliver Brady’s fourth title.

Then, of course, came the whole Deflategate saga and a suspension. In the end, though, Brady got the last laugh and pulled off one of the greatest comebacks in Super Bowl history against Atlanta for title No.5. Brandon Graham stripped away the chance for a repeat and avenged the Eagles the following season.

No.6 came more challenging. In a year where several people, including Rob Parker and Nick Wright, boldly proclaimed that the Patriots were done, Brady silenced his critics by going on the road and beating Patrick Mahomes in the AFC Title Game. Don’t mention Dee Ford being offsides or the roughing the passer call. That’s just petty talk. Against the Rams in a defensive battle, Brady earned his sixth title.

However, the following season proved to be Brady’s last as a Patriot, highlighted by a pick-six against Tennessee. No.12 was done in New England, and off he went south to Tampa Bay. It was hailed as a move that would fail. Nope. When are people going to stop doubting this man? Maybe it’s just for attention.

Tom Brady will go down as the most accomplished quarterback in NFL History and arguably, the greatest ever.

After earning the fifth seed with the Buccaneers and bringing them to the playoffs, Brady won three road playoff games, including against Drew Brees and the Saints, and Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, to set up a bout against Patrick Mahomes and Kansas City in the Super Bowl.

In the biggest “take that” moment of his career, Brady and the Bucs defeated the Chiefs 31-9, earning Brady his seventh title and fifth Super Bowl MVP. He had proved that he could win away from New England and embarrassed several of his doubters, notably Parker, with a convincing victory. The seventh quarterback taken in the 2000 NFL Draft wins seven rings. Poetic justice.

Passing records, Super Bowl titles, extending hands to players, and helping them become better individuals, it’s a great story and fitting for Tom Brady. Some will love, and some will hate, but with success comes resentment. Though his last game ended on a field goal loss against the Rams, which many will cling to, it would be wise to remove the bitterness and replace it with respect.

How rare are we going to see a quarterback of Brady’s success? Sure, Mahomes is on his way and has a shot at doing it, but at this point, it’s so hard to do, and the road will be a tough one to follow. But for now, the yards, the records, and the moments of coming up big in the clutch are too great to ignore.

Tom Brady has retired from the NFL and leaves behind a great legacy. No. 12 will for sure never be worn in New England ever again, and possibly not in Tampa Bay if they so choose. So long, Tom, and thanks for the memories.