Tom Brady retires: Sports world reacts to legendary quarterback's NFL retirement announcement

The seven-time Super Bowl champ is widely regarded as one of the best athletes ever

After more than two decades in the NFL, seven Super Bowls and an incomparable impact on the game, Tom Brady is saying goodbye to football. The legendary QB officially announced his retirement from the NFL via his social media pages on Tuesday morning. The announcement comes just three days after it was reported that Brady would retire from football. However, at the time, Brady pushed back and said a decision had not been made yet.

In total, 20 of Brady's NFL season came with the New England Patriots and two were for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

In a testament to an outstanding career and Brady's anticipated retirement, players and figures from around the National Football League and the greater sports industry at large chimed in to salute the NFL legend.

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Tom Brady officially announced his retirement on Tuesday morning, saying he is going to focus on other areas of his life.

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Former Giants quarterback Eli Manning tweeted a video congratulating Brady on his career, saying no one did it better than number 12. Manning emphasized that even after two decades, Brady was still playing at a high level and noted how unique and special TB12's longevity was. The two-time Super Bowl champion could not help but throw in a little dig at his former opponent, thanking Brady for sharing some of his Super Bowls with him, referencing the two times the Giants beat the Patriots in the big game.

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Brady tweeted to Patriots nation, "I'm beyond grateful. Love you all."

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Tom Brady thanked the Patriots and Patriot Nation though his Instagram story.

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The Boston Red Sox called Brady the GOAT.

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Peyton Manning released a statement through his production company. The on-field rival, off-field friend said, "It was an honor and a privilege to compete against him on the field, and I truly appreciate his friendship off the field."

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The Jets then sent out a real congratulations. 

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The Jets don't seem too upset about it. 

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Patriots owner Robert Kraft released a statement, calling the team's time with Brady "a dream come true."

[Feb 1, 2022 at 11:10 am ET · Shanna McCarriston]

Jimmie Johnson tweeted, "Congrats and thank you for the journey you have taken us on @TomBrady. It's been inspiring in so many ways. to the 7X club."

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Longtime teammate and friend Tedy Bruschi posted a photo and said, "You did your job better than anyone ever has. Well done, my friend."

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The Colts joked about the retirement, using a SpongeBob clip in their tribute. Not sure they are really going to miss him that much.

[Feb 1, 2022 at 11:03 am ET · Shanna McCarriston]

The Patriots wrote, "It was quite the ride. Thank you and congratulations, @TomBrady," along with a photo of him riding off into the sunset with seven Lombardi Trophies.

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Brady's final time at Gillette Stadium as a player:

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The Buccaneers wrote, "Memories to last a lifetime. Thank you, 12."

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Brady retires with more Super Bowls (7) than any franchise in the NFL. 

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The Buccaneers responded with emojis.

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Brady will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2027.

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NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell released a statement calling Brady an "incredible competitor and leader." He added that, "Tom made everyone around him better and always seemed to rise to the occasion in the biggest moments."

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Olympian Michael Phelps wrote, "Congrats bro! Enjoy the next chapter."

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Tyrann Mathieu wrote, "The Great one!!! what a career man!! Now onto bigger and better things! You'll forever be remembered as the standard!! Loved going to battle against you!! Enjoy the family & time off!! It's been a long 22 years for you! Grateful to ply against the best ever!" on Brady's Instagram post.

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Shaquille O'Neal commented on TB12's Instagram post saying, "no man get your butt up and do one more year" and "love u bro absolute joy to watch."

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Cardinals' JJ Watt commented on Brady's Instagram post saying, "Congratulations and enjoy the next chapter brother. Greatest of All Time."

[Feb 1, 2022 at 10:07 am ET · Shanna McCarriston]

The Denver Broncos wrote, "We've had some memorable battles over the years, @TomBrady. Congrats on an incredible career!"

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It is officially official.

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Brady has a few records on his resume.

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His final slide focused on the future, ending with, "With much love, appreciation, and gratitude, Tom."

[Feb 1, 2022 at 10:03 am ET · Shanna McCarriston]

He thanked his family for their support and sacrifice over his 22 year career. Looking back, he says he is thinking of all the great players and coaches he got to play against. He says he feels like "the luckiest person in the world."

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The seven-time Super Bowl champion continued, thanking everyone in the Buccaneers organization, where he spent the last two years.

[Feb 1, 2022 at 10:00 am ET · Shanna McCarriston]

Brady explained the thought and reflection that went into this decision, concluding that it is "best I leave the field of play to the next generation of dedicated and committed athletes."