Tom Brady appears to snub Patriots in initial retirement statement
Brady appeared to skip over the part he played for the Patriots
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Tom Brady appeared to leave the New England Patriots out of his initial statement announcing he was going to walk away from the NFL after 22 seasons and seven Super Bowl titles.
Brady spent most of his 22 seasons with New England. He was drafted by the Patriots with the 199th pick of the 2000 draft and, after replacing Drew Bledsoe as the starter in 2001, led the team to six Super Bowl titles.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}But in his lengthy statement, Brady failed to mention the Patriots at all.
Tom Brady of the New England Patriots and head coach Bill Belichick during warmups before the AFC Championship Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Gillette Stadium on Jan. 21, 2018, in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
"I have always believed the sport of football is an ‘all-in’ proposition – if a 100% competitive commitment isn’t there you won't’ succeed, and success is what I love so much about our game. There is a physical, mental, and emotional challenge EVERY single day that has allowed me to maximize my highest potential. And I have tried my very best these past 22 years. There are no shortcuts to success on the field or in life.
"This is difficult for me to write but here it goes: I am not going to make that competitive commitment anymore. I have loved my NFL career and now it is time to focus my time and energy on other things that require my attention.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"I’ve done a lot of reflecting the past week and have asked myself difficult questions. And I am so proud of what we have achieved. My teammates, coaches, fellow competitors, and fans deserve 100% of me, but right now, it's best I leave the field of play to the next generation of dedicated and committed athletes.
"To my Bucs teammates the past two years, I love you guys, and I have loved going to battle with you. You have dug so deep to challenge yourself, and it inspired me to wake up every day and give you my best. I am always here for you guys and want to see you continue to push yourself to be your best. I couldn’t be happier with what we accomplished.
Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady points toward the sidelines before the Tampa Bay-New England game Oct. 3, 2021, in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
TOM BRADY MAKES IT OFFICIAL, RETIRES FROM NFL AFTER 22 YEARS
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"To all the Bucs fans, thank you. I didn’t know what to expect when I arrived here, but your support and embrace have enriched my life and that of my family. I have been honored to play for such a passionate and fun fan base. What a Krewe!!!
"To the City of Tampa and the entire Tampa-St. Petersburg region, thank you. It has been wonderful to be a resident of such a fun place to live. I want to be invited to our next boat parade!
"To the Glazer family, thank you for taking a chance on me and supporting me. I know I was demanding at times but you provided everything we needed to win, and your ownership was everything a player could ask for."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}He would then thank other members of the Buccaneers organization and his agent Don Yee and his business partner Alex Guerrero along with his family and wife Gisele Bundchen before following up with this:
"My playing career has been such a thrilling ride, and far beyond my imagination, and full of ups and downs. When you're in it every day, you don't really think about any kind of ending. As I sit here now, however, I think of all the great players and coaches I was privileged to play with and against the competition was fierce and deep, JUST HOW WE LIKE IT. But the friendships and relationships are just as fierce and deep. I will remember and cherish these memories and re-visit them often. I feel like the luckiest person in the world."
Fans reading the initial messages were a little perplexed Brady didn’t mention the Patriots once.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}He did thank the team in 2020 when he left New England and later joined Tampa Bay.
"To all my teammates, coaches, executives and staff, Coach Belichick, RKK, and the Kraft family and the entire organization. I want to say thank you for the past twenty years of my life and the daily commitment to winning and creating a winning culture built on great values. I am grateful for all that you have taught me – I have learned from everyone. You all have allowed me to maximize my potential and that is all a player can hope for. Everything we have accomplished brings me great joy and the lessons I have learned will carry on with me forever. I couldn’t be the man I am today without the relationships you have allowed me to build with you. I have benefited from all you have given me. I cherished every opportunity I had to be a part of our team, and I love you all for that. Our team has always set a great standard in pro sports and I know it will continue to do just that.
Tom Brady celebrates after the New England Patriots defeated the Atlanta Falcons, 34-28, during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium on Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston, Texas. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
"Although my football journey will take place elsewhere, I appreciate everything that we have achieved and am grateful for our incredible TEAM accomplishments. I have been privileged to have the opportunity to know each and everyone of you, and to have the memories we’ve created together."
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The lengthy posted was captioned: "FOREVER A PATRIOT."
Later Tuesday, Brady would repost the Patriots' message on Instagram and thank the team and fans.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Fox News' Paulina Dedaj contributed to this report.