Update (1050ET): NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has released the following statement about Tom Brady's retirement, saying Brady inspired "fans around the world with one of the greatest careers in NFL history."

Tom Brady will be remembered as one of the greatest to ever play in the NFL. An incredible competitor and leader, his stellar career is remarkable for its longevity but also for the sustained excellence he displayed year after year. Tom made everyone around him better and always seemed to rise to the occasion in the biggest moments.

His record five Super Bowl MVP awards and seven Super Bowl championships set a standard that players will chase for years. He inspired fans in New England, Tampa and around the world with one of the greatest careers in NFL history. It has been a privilege to watch him compete and have him in the NFL. We thank him for his many contributions to our game and wish Tom and his family all the best in the future.

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In a statement that made no mention of the Patriots, any Patriots staff or fans, or even the city of Boston/state of Massachusetts, Tom Brady confirmed his plans to retire on Tuesday morning after 22 seasons in the NFL. He shared the news a lengthy statement posted to Twitter.

Brady had earlier denied reports about his impending retirement, only to turn around and confirm it on his own terms days later.

Despite not knowing "what to expect" when he moved to the Bucs, Brady thanked the team's fans: "your support and embrace have enriched my life," he said. But the sport of football requires a "100% commitment", and Brady feels it's now time for him to focus on other things, like his family, and his businesses - including a blockchain company called Autograph.io. But while he thanks everyone from his agents and managers, to the Buccaneers staff, coaches and players, Brady didn't thank Patriots coach Bill Belichick, with whom he reportedly shared a frosty relationship, especially toward the end of his time with the team.

Read the full thread below:

pic.twitter.com/ZUmmELuTbd

— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) February 1, 2022

I have always believed the sport of football is an "all-in" proposition - if a 100% competitive commitment isn't there, you won't succeed, and success is what I love so much about our game. There is a physical, mental, and emotional challenge EVERY single day that has allowed me to maximize my highest potential. And I have tried my very best these past 22 years. There are no shortcuts to success on the field or in life.

This is difficult for me to write, but here it goes: I am not going to make that competitive commitment anymore. I have loved my NFL career, and now it is time to focus my time and energy on other things that require my attention.

I've done a lot of reflecting the past week and have asked myself difficult questions. And I am so proud of what we have achieved. My teammates, coaches, fellow competitors, and fans deserve 100% of me, but right now, it's best I leave the field of play to the next generation of dedicated and committed athletes.

To my Bucs teammates the past two years, I love you guys, and I have loved going to battle with you. You have dug so deep to challenge yourself, and it inspired me to wake up every day and give you my best. I am always here for you guys and want to see you continue to push yourselves to be your best. I couldn't be happier with what we accomplished together.

To all the Bucs fans, thank you. I didn't know what to expect when I arrived here, but your support and embrace have enriched my life and that of my family. I have been honored to play for such a passionate and fun fan base. What a Krewe!!!

To the city of Tampa and the entire Tampa-St. Petersburg region, thank you. It has been wonderful to be a resident of such a fun place to live. I want to be invited to our next boat parade!

To the Glazer family, thank you for taking a chance on me and supporting me. I know I was demanding at times, but you provided everything we needed to win, and your ownership was everything a player could ask for.

To Jason Licht, thank you for your daily support and friendship -1 will never forget it. I had never been through free agency, and I had some trepidation about how we could achieve success. Your leadership gave me confidence, and I will always be grateful.

To my head coach Bruce Arians, thanks for putting up with me! Your firm leadership and guidance were ideal. There is no way we could have had success without your experience, intuition, and wisdom. I am very grateful.

To all the Bucs coaches, my sincere thanks for all the hard work, dedication, and discipline that goes into creating a winning team. I have learned so much from all of you and will value the relationships we have.

To every single Bucs staffer and employee, thank you. Each of you is critically important, and I was greeted with a smile every day. That means so much to me. Your work is made up of long hours and hard tasks, but please know I see each and every one of you. Thank you so much.

To Alex Guerrero, thank you. I could never have made every Sunday without you; it's that simple. Your dedication to your craft and our friendship and brotherhood are immeasurable. We have an unbreakable bond, and I love you.

To Don Yee and Steve Dubin, thank you. You've been with me every step of the way since I left the University of Michigan and before I entered the league. What a journey it's been, and I couldn't do it without you.

To my parents and entire family (and extended family of countless friends), I love you and thank you for your never-ending support and love. I could never have imagined the time and energy you have given for me the past 30 years in football. I can never repay you. And just know I love you so much.

And lastly to my wife, Gisele, and my children Jack, Benny and Vivi. You are my inspiration. Our family is my greatest achievement. I always came off the field and home to the most loving and supportive wife who has done EVERYTHING for our family to allow me to focus on my career. Her selflessness allowed me to reach new heights professionally, and I am beyond words what you mean to me and our family. Te amo amor da minha vida.

My playing career has been such a thrilling ride, and far beyond my imagination, and full of ups and downs. When you're in it every day, you really don't think about any kind of ending. As I sit here now, however, I think of all the great players and coaches I was privileged to play with and against - the competition was fierce and deep, JUST HOW WE LIKE IT. But the friendships and relationships are just as fierce and deep. I will remember and cherish these memories and re-visit them often. I feel like the luckiest person in the world.

The future is exciting. I'm fortunate to have cofounded incredible companies like @autograph.io @bradybrand @tb12sports that I am excited to continue to help build and grow, but exactly what my days will look like will be a work-in-progress. As I said earlier, I am going to take it day by day. I know for sure I want to spend a lot of time giving to others and trying to enrich other people's lives, just as so many have done for me.

With much love, appreciation, and gratitude,

Tom

Twitter responded with an outpouring of affection for Brady.

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— ????????????????????????????????????????????.???????????? ???? (@Thelarrylegend_) February 1, 2022

Brady led the NFL in yards passing (5,316), touchdowns (43), completions (485) and attempts (719), but the Buccaneers lost at home to the Los Angeles Rams last Sunday in the divisional round. As the AP notes, Brady had cited a desire to spend more time with his wife and children despite still playing at the top of his game.

Patriots fans might be miffed given the two decades of winning and half a dozen Superbowl victories they had with Brady.

A lot of your fans from New England get no mention? Wow. https://t.co/2ssL6g0nox

— True_Blue_Voter (@True_Blue_Voter) February 1, 2022

But Buccaneers fans are equally ecstatic to see him retire "as a Buc".

Tom Brady should retire a Buc. He never lost a super bowl with them. Can’t say that about the Patriots

— Dilla (@E_Dilla) February 1, 2022

And the NYT, clearly miffed by Brady's decision to deny reports about his retirement, only to confirm it "on his terms" later, had this to say: "The hours that elapsed before Brady confirmed the decision on his terms reinforced the maniacal control that has governed his professional life and career."

Still, nobody can knock Brady's personal accomplishments on field: as a reuslt, he's retiring with three league Most Valuable Player Awards and as the NFL career leader in touchdown passes, passing yardage and victories.

After playing 20 seasons with the Patriots, Brady joined the Bucs in 2020 amid the Covid-19 pandemic, instilling a winning culture to a franchise that hadn’t won a playoff game in 18 years. With his old friend Rob Gronkowski joining him in Tampa, Brady helped the Buccaneers become the first team to play in a Super Bowl in its stadium.

The big question now: Brady's Republican politics have been an open secret for most of his career. Now that he's made a home in famously conservative Florida, will we see a Senator Brady, or a governor Brady? He wouldn't be the first professional athlete to make the transition to politics.