Football fans everywhere remember this day last year, when the seven-time Super Bowl champion winning quarterback for the New England Patriots and later the Tampa Bay Buccaneers penned a heartfelt retirement essay. Patriots fans were devastated at the news, and then devastated a second time when it was then revealed that Brady was not retiring, but still leaving New England behind.
Today, Brady announces that he is ACTUALLY retiring. In a short video posted to his social media accounts, Brady pokes fun at his “retirement essay” from last year.
Truly grateful on this day. Thank you ????????❤️ pic.twitter.com/j2s2sezvSS
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) February 1, 2023
He went on to post several powerful photos of some of the best moments of his long and successful NFL career.
Tom Brady just shared a series of photos on his Instagram, including a bunch from his Patriots career pic.twitter.com/68VGA8WAcu
— Dakota Randall (@DakRandall) February 1, 2023
Tampa Bay Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht issued a statement about Brady’s legacy.
And here’s Bucs general manager Jason Licht on Tom Brady and the legacy he leaves behind in Tampa: pic.twitter.com/65bRQVZ9At
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) February 1, 2023
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The New England Patriots official Twitter account even reposted their tribute from last year, when they thought Brady was actually retiring.
The Patriots recycling their Tom Brady tribute is just spectacular pic.twitter.com/lDMNFXmOZV
— Benjamin Hoffman (@BenHoffmanNYT) February 1, 2023
Others poked fun at the casual nature of the announcement in contrast with the weight of Brady’s decision to retire. Brady leaves an indisputable mark on NFL history.
Imagine randomly walking your dog on the beach and Tom Brady is retiring over by the dunes.
— Conor Orr (@ConorOrr) February 1, 2023
Tom Brady with the most anticlimactic retirement ever
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) February 1, 2023
Some doubted the validity of the announcement, given last year’s incident.
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Tom Brady: I’m retiring
The rest of the world: pic.twitter.com/ZJeL9oDQoG
— dontiknoyou???? (@imalligottt) February 1, 2023
The news of Brady’s retirement comes a few months after his divorce from Brazilian supermodel and activist Giselle Bündchen was finalized. It was rumored that the cause of their split after 13 years of marriage was due to Brady’s refusal to retire from the NFL and spend more time with their children.
@zacharyreality Tom Brady & Giselle reportedly divorcing #tombrady #giselle #tombrady12 #divorce #divorcing #celebnews #zacharyreality #model
The rumors were further spread when paparazzi images of Bündchen smudging her car with sage amid the divorce. The practice is popular among several cultures and is commonly believed to clear a space of negative energy.
@itslinklauren Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady‘s divorce is heating up… And not in the way you would think! This is the last thing I thought I would see in the news today. #tombrady #giselebundchen #sage #ayurveda
Twitter was quick to react with humor to Brady’s retirement news. Going off the rumors about his divorce, some theorized he may attempt to rekindle his relationship with his ex wife now that he is retired.
Tom Brady coming home to no football and no Gisele pic.twitter.com/w8xZrXWxgi
— Blake Garman (@FrostedBlakes34) February 1, 2023
Tom Brady pulling up to Gisele’s house to win her back and seeing a Dodge Challenger parked in the driveway https://t.co/RPZUg35gbW
— Public Enemies Podcast (@TheEnemiesPE3) February 1, 2023
The retirement announcement came at the perfect time for the entertainment industry. 80 For Brady, which hosts a star studded cast of Sally Field, Jane Fonda, Rita Moreno, Lily Tomlin, Harry Hamlin, Billy Porter and more, comes to theaters this Friday.
The movie follows a group of four best friends who journey to New England to see their hero, Tom Brady, play in the 2017 Super Bowl. The film of course includes cameos from Tom Brady and former New England Patriots tight-end Rob Gronkowski.
What do you do with your hands at a movie premiere? ???????????? @80forBrady pic.twitter.com/b6UBkBRNCC
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) February 1, 2023
The film premiered in Los Angeles last night.
Tom Brady joins the cast of #80ForBrady at the L.A premiere pic.twitter.com/X8ennqOaR7
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) February 1, 2023
Sally Field spoke to People about her experience working with Tom Brady on set.
A star off the field and on camera — Tom Brady is a “natural,” according to Sally Field. The actress opens up about working with the famous football player in the new film “80 for Brady.” pic.twitter.com/2rsGZdzzCn
— People (@people) February 1, 2023
The film’s cast alone even has people who aren’t sports fans talking.
80 FOR BRADY puts me in a very challenging position because I absolutely hate Tom Brady but love Actresses over 70 with multiple awards pic.twitter.com/UAgElZYKTZ
— Michael Wachowiak (@mikewachowiak) January 21, 2023
A film with acclaimed stars made in your honor is not a bad way to go out. The timing was so impeccable that some feel that it could all be an elaborate marketing strategy for the film.
This 80 FOR BRADY marketing campaign is crazy https://t.co/q2EbXi9ehe
— Zoë Rose Bryant (@ZoeRoseBryant) February 1, 2023
This is just an attempt to create buzz for 80 For Brady
— Rodger Sherman (@rodger) February 1, 2023
I thought 80 for Brady was when he finally retires for real.
— Schooley (@Rschooley) February 1, 2023
After last year’s fumbled announcement, it is likely that Brady’s retirement statement is authentic this time around. Fans are looking forward to a heartfelt tribute to his legendary NFL career in 80 For Brady.
