by 
Jim Davis/The Boston Globe via Getty Images
Tom Brady, former quarterback for the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, announced his retirement from the NFL Wednesday morning, and the seven-time Super Bowl champion’s former head coach was quick to pay tribute to his longtime signal caller.
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said in a statement:
“Tom Brady was the ultimate winner. He joined the NFL with little to no fanfare and left as the most successful player in league history. His tireless pursuit of excellence drove him on every day. His work ethic and desire to win were both motivating and inspiring to teammates and coaches alike. Tom was a true professional who presented himself with class and integrity throughout his career. I thank Tom for the positive influence he has had on me and the Patriots and congratulate him on his amazing career.”
Patriots owner Robert Kraft added:
New England Patriots @patriots
“No player in NFL history has made it as long as Tom Brady. He is the fiercest competitor I have ever known and the ultimate champion.”
Robert Kraft up @TomBradys resignation: https://t.co/TZDa1afDic< /a>
Brady announced in a social media post Wednesday morning that he was retiring “for good.”
Tom Brady @Tom Brady
Really thankful that day. Thank you 🙏🏻❤️ pic.twitter.com/j2s2sezvSS
When Brady first announced he was retiring in February 2022 before deciding to return to the Buccaneers for another season, Belichick called the star quarterback the “greatest player in NFL history.”
“I feel privileged to have designed and coached Tom Brady, the ultimate competitor and winner,” said Belichick. “Tom’s humble beginnings in professional football ultimately ended in him becoming the greatest player in NFL history.”
New England Patriots @patriots
The ultimate competitor.
Statement from Bill Belichick to Tom Brady: https://t.co/vYpiKZEKDG pic.twitter.com/mOsgSJsuEk
The 45-year-old spent the first 20 years of his career with the Patriots before signing with the Buccaneers for the 2020, 2021 and 2022 seasons. He and Belichick led New England to unprecedented success with 17 AFC East titles, nine AFC titles and six Super Bowl victories in that span.
Brady also earned 14 Pro Bowl selections, three MVP awards, four Super Bowl MVPs, and two Offensive Player of the Year awards during his tenure with the Patriots. In his three seasons with the Bucs, he added a Super Bowl title, Super Bowl MVP award and Pro Bowl honors.
brady went 32-18 and 5-2 in the playoffs in his career without Belichick. The veteran head coach is in the playoffs without Brady at quarterback, 25-25 and 0-1, though he’ll have an opportunity to improve on that record while he remains head coach.
Considering Brady’s retirement is “for good” this time around, Belichick likely won’t have to make any further statements remembering the legendary signal caller’s career until 2028, the first year he finally made it into pro football Hall of Famer inductee will be eligible.
