On Sunday, Jan 23, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers season came to an end and with-it Tom Brady’s career. They played the Los Angeles Rams at Raymond James Stadium; they lost 30-27 in the divisional round of the NFC playoffs.  

Going into the second half, Bucs were down 20-3 but had not given up. They scored a field goal just after the Rams’ third touchdown of the game. During the fourth quarter, they were still down, 27-20; only a touchdown away from tying the game. With 42 seconds left on the clock, Tom Brady threw a pass to Leonard Fournette to tie the game. Ram’s quarterback Matthew Stafford threw a pass up the middle for 44 yards and, with no time left, kicked a field goal and won the game.  

A couple of days after the game, the rumors started. All over the internet, people were speculating about the retirement of Tom Brady. The official NFL Instagram had posted a few things to celebrate Brady’s 22-year career.  

He denied the retirement rumors in his “Let’s Go” podcast.   

“Sometimes it takes some time to really evaluate how you feel,” Brady said. “I’ll be ready to make a decision one way or another.”   

On Feb 1, Brady came out and officially retired from the NFL after 22 years. He explained why he was done and thanked everyone that helped him throughout his career.   

“I am not going to make that competitive commitment anymore,” Brady said.  

Past teammates, coaches, family, and other NFL supporters came out to congratulate him on his year in the NFL.  

“You’re a legend man and always will be,” teammate Rob Gronkowski said.