Tom Brady on big retirement announcement: ‘Used mine up last year’

Tom Brady on big retirement announcement: ‘Used mine up last year’

Tom Brady didn’t want to pen another long, emotional essay when he announced his second NFL retirement on Wednesday after 23 seasons.

The 45-year-old quarterback took to Instagram once again for his final goodbye to football, but made the message short and sweet this time around.

“I’ll get to the point right away. I’m retiring, for good,” an emotional Brady stated as he sat on the beach in the Instagram clip.


Tom Brady walks off the field following a Buccaneers playoff game in January 2022.
Tom Brady walks off the field following a Buccaneers playoff game in January 2022.Getty Images

“When I woke up this morning, I figured I’d 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.”

Brady also mentioned in Wednesday’s video how the retirement process last year was “a big deal.”

Exactly one year ago, Brady confirmed that he’d be stepping away from football after 22 prolific seasons. At the time, the seven-time Super Bowl champion posted a lengthy message to social media, where he thanked the Buccaneers organization, his teammates, friends, and family, including his then-wife Gisele Bündchen.


Tom Brady's retirement message from Feb. 1, 2023, included a family photo that featured Gisele Bündchen.
Tom Brady’s retirement message from Feb. 1, 2023, included a family photo that featured Gisele Bündchen.Instagram
Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen following the Buccaneers' Super Bowl in February 2021.
Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen following the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl in February 2021.Getty Images

“You are my inspiration. Our family is my greatest achievement, he wrote at the time.

Brady’s retirement message Wednesday featured photos of Bündchen, whom he divorced in October, along with snapshots from his time with the Patriots and Buccaneers. His retirement essay in 2022 faced criticism from fans as it focused more on Tampa Bay rather than New England, where he spent the first 20 seasons of his NFL career.

In the meantime, all eyes will be on Brady and his next step, which will be as Fox’s lead NFL analyst after he inked a monster 10-year, $375 million deal last spring.