What a complete and utter shock the NFL world experienced on Tuesday when Tom Brady took to all of his social media platforms and announced his departure from the New England Patriots.
The six-time Super Bowl champion stated his football journey “will take place elsewhere.”
“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.
“Although my football journey will take play 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.”
Soon after his announcement, owner Robert Kraft and head coach Bill Belichick would jointly release statements:
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Brady took over under center in 2001 after Drew Bledsoe went down with an injury and has won the NFL MVP award three times, selected to the Pro Bowl 14 times and was an All-Pro three times.
He was also named the 2009 AP Comeback Player of the Year and won the AP Offensive Player of the Year award in 2007 and 2010.
