Tom Brady has the NFL world in its feelings.
After the Buccaneers quarterback announced he is retiring “for good” on Wednesday, current and former players across multiple sports leagues shared emotional memories and messages congratulating Brady on a legendary career.
“Thank you! Congrats on one of the greatest careers in sports history!” former NFL tackle Andrew Whitworth tweeted. “And the way you carried yourself, lead, and improved the lives of others through that process!!”
Brady’s former teams reacted to the news on social media, with the Buccaneers leaving a single red heart emoji under his video, while the Patriots added a few goat emojis. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes also added a trio of goat emojis under Brady’s Instagram video.
“Congrats @TomBrady on an unbelievable career,” Yankees legend Derek Jeter tweeted. “It was fun to watch!”
Tennis legend Serena Williams — who announced her retirement in September — wrote on Instagram: “I’m getting teary eyed watching this. Sad to see you go. Welcome to the retirement world…. Again.”
Thanks for pushing me everyday this season mentally and physically to get back on the field. I'm glad I was able to take the field with you one last time! Enjoy retirement, don't dog me too much in the booth. Love ya man! @TomBrady pic.twitter.com/Q3G5eoTJgc
— Ryan Jensen (@sinjen66) February 1, 2023
Buccaneers linebacker Devin White wrote, “Walking into the sunset,” while former Giants star Victor Cruz added, “A legend.”
Tampa Bay center Ryan Jensen shared a photo with Brady on Twitter, writing, “Thanks for pushing me everyday this season mentally and physically to get back on the field. I’m glad I was able to take the field with you one last time! Enjoy retirement, don’t dog me too much in the booth. Love ya man! @TomBrady.”
“Greatest of All Time. No question, no debate. It’s been an honor and a privilege,” wrote Texans and Cardinals pass-rushing great J.J. Watt, who retired himself this offseason.
“PS – The newly retired group meets on the golf course every morning at 10am. Drinks are on the new guy, so bring your wallet.”
Brady announced his second retirement in a video post on Twitter and Instagram Wednesday and referenced his first retirement, which came exactly one year ago on Feb. 1, 2022.
“Good morning guys I’ll get to the point right away. I’m retiring for good,” Brady said while sitting on the beach. “I know the process was a pretty big deal last time so when I woke up this morning I figured I’d just press record and let you guys know first. It won’t be longwinded. You only get one super emotional retirement essay and I used mine up last year.
“Really, thank you guys so much. To every single one of you for supporting me, my family, my friends, my teammates, my competitors, I could go on forever. There’s too many. Thank you guys for allowing me to live my absolute dream. I wouldn’t change a thing. I love you all.”
It was a whirlwind 23rd season for Brady, who faced challenges on and off the field. The quarterback, who turns 46 in August, finalized his divorce from ex-wife Gisele Bündchen in October 2022.
Brady and Bündchen have two children together, daughter Vivian, 10, and 13-year-old son Benjamin. He also has a 15-year-old son Jack with his ex, actress Bridget Moynahan
Brady’s announcement came after he attended the red carpet premiere of “80 For Brady” in Los Angeles, his first solo red carpet since his divorce.
Brady will now join Fox Sports as their lead NFL analyst on a monster $375 million contract he secured in May.
“We’ll see you on @nflonfox soon enough!” Erin Andrews and Charissa Thompson’s “Calm Down” podcast wrote on Instagram.
