01 February 2023 , 14:03
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Seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady has announced his retirement from the NFL - and many stars are paying tribute to his incredible career.
The 45-year-old, whose career spanned two decades with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, confirmed his decision in a video posted to social media. It comes one year after he announced his retirement only to reverse it 40 days later.
His 2022 season didn’t exactly go to plan as Brady’s Buccaneers were comprehensively defeated 31-14 by the Dallas Cowboys to end his 23rd NFL season at the Wild Card round of the NFL Playoffs. As he left the field, Brady doffed his cap to the fans and kissed his parents before disappearing down the Raymond James Stadium tunnel, suggesting he was set to walk away.
Brady spent 20 seasons with the Patriots, winning six Super Bowls as well as three MVP awards as he anchored the Pats dynasty alongside head coach Bill Belichick and owner Rob Kraft. He won Super Bowl LV with the Bucs and led them to the playoffs in each of his three seasons.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who led his team to the Super Bowl for the third time in four years after winning the AFC Championship on Sunday, paid his respects by simply posting three goat emojis. Mahomes has spoken in the past about his respect and admiration for Brady, seeking his advice on several occasions.
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JJ Watt, the legendary defensive end who also retired after the 2022 season, took to social media to pay tribute to the iconic quarterback. He wrote: “Greatest of All Time.
“No question, no debate. It’s been an honour 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.”
Tom Brady won seven Super Bowl titles in his career - more than any other franchise (DAVE MARTIN/AP/REX/Shutterstock)The Patriots franchise, who were linked with a sensational move to reunite with Brady should he have decided to return to the NFL for the 2023 season, also posted three goat emojis. The Buccaneers replied to Brady's post with a heart.
Former NFL quarterback-turned-analyst Robert Griffin III took to social media to simply declare: "Tom Brady is the GOAT."
Sports analyst Emmanuel Acho added: “Watching Tom Brady get choked up announcing his retirement brought me to tears. We’ll miss you GOAT.”
Former NFL offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth expressed his gratitude to the 45-year-old, writing: Thank you! Congrats on one of the greatest careers in sports history! And the way you carried yourself, lead, and improved the lives of others through that process!"
However, not everyone is convinced after his u-turn last year. NFL correspondent Annie Agar replied to Brady's retirement post with a gif from Anchorman along with the caption: "I don't believe you."