After 23 seasons, former Patriots and current Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Tom Brady, 45, has called it quits for a second time, announcing it on his social media accounts.

While all thought it was over after his first announcement in 2022, it only took 40 days for Brady to change his mind and return for his 23rd season. In fact, Brady announced his second retirement exactly a year after he said he was retiring following the 2021 season.

After the recent wild card loss to the Cowboys, fans were all left waiting to see what the QB would do. 

Tom Brady is widely considered the greatest of all time, and his stats have earned him the title of legendary. He is a seven-time Super Bowl champion, more than any franchise in the NFL, and a three-time MVP. Brady, alongside New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick, were the main contributors to the Patriots dynasty that lasted nearly two decades. 

In his last three seasons, he played with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, reuniting with former Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski for two seasons. Thanks to his longevity, the accomplishments are simply too many to mention. 

Brady posted a video on his Twitter stating, “I know the process was a pretty big deal last time, so when I woke up this morning I figured I just press record and let you guys know first. I won’t be long-winded. You only get one super-emotional retirement essay, and I used mine up last year.” He also mentioned that he was grateful to everyone who was a part of his journey. Former teammates and competitors including Gronkowski, Patriots WR Julian Edelman, 49ers QB Patrick Mahomes, and many more sent him best wishes.  

Maybe this is truly it for the “G.O.A.T.”. Many other NFL teams were rumored to pursue him this offseason, including the San Francisco 49ers. The question lingers; while he may be retired for now, will we see Brady return for season 24? Only time will tell.