Tom Brady silences all doubt about NFL retirement, once and for all

Former Patriots quarterback Tom Brady filed a letter reconfirming his retirement, putting any speculation of his future to bed.

Nine days after Tom Brady announced his retirement on social media, the NFL legend has officially retired in 2023. According to Adam Schefter, Brady filed a letter on Friday with the NFL and NFLPA that confirmed his retirement on February 1.

The letter cements Brady’s retirement status after a 23-year storied career that saw him win football’s highest honors. The former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback will go down in history as the greatest ever to play the game, boasting a long list of accolades that include seven Super Bowls and a myriad of passing, scoring, and touchdown records.

Last offseason, Brady retired and then un-retired after 40 days, and some believed he might pull a similar stint following his second retirement on February 1. Now, Brady is firmly shutting the door on any rumors of him suiting up next season.

When will Tom Brady make the Hall of Fame?

Brady is eligible to be elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the Class of 2028.

It should be noted, however, that Brady’s retirement is not permanent just because he filed a letter to the league. Brady could still play again if he wanted to that badly, but him taking this first step suggests he truly is done with the game.

The 45-year-old has said he plans to take a gap year before beginning the next chapter of his life in broadcasting. Last year, Brady signed a 10-year contract with Fox Sports and is expected to start in the booth in fall of 2024.

At last, this appears to be the end of an era for Tom Brady and for the rest of the league as well. Brady is finally retiring for good.