Tom Brady will retire from football after 22 seasons in which he won seven Super Bowl titles, according to sources.
Sources said that Brady knew it was likely his last act as a football player when he left the field after the loss to the Rams. In the days since, he has spent time thinking about what he wants to do in the future, and he is about to make a retirement announcement.
Sources said that Brady decided to retire due to a number of factors, including his family and health. Sources said that Brady is aware that the Buccaneers are likely to undergo significant roster turnover.
Brady, 44, has been adamant for weeks that he never wanted afarewell season, and many who know him believed he wanted a decision made without much drama leading up to it. Sources said that he believes this is the right time to end his playing career.
It is not known when Brady will announce his plans to retire, but it will be done with consideration to not overshadow the Super Bowl.
According to team sources, executives and coaches have been bracing for Brady's retirement in recent weeks, knowing that he would hang it up after the season. All signs point to Brady retiring, according to one source.
The effort by the Buccaneers to get Brady to play one more year is not expected to have an impact and they are resigned to the challenges that lie ahead.
When Brady makes his decision to retire official, he will end a storied career that spanned three different decades on the path to Canton.
He won seven titles, the most by a single player. He set a number of all-time records in his 22 seasons.
Brady's play in the last year of his career suggested he could have continued playing at an elite level. He realized the sacrifice it would take on him and his family and felt it was time to tackle other challenges.
Brady used the word "satisfied" to describe his career in the NFL, which caught the attention of many who know a man who rarely was satisfied. Brady said that his family's desires were a big factor in his decision.
Brady said this a few years ago, and it's not always what he wants. It is what we want as a family. I am going to spend a lot of time with them and figure out what is next.
Brady and his family are building a home in South Florida.
Brady said that he would know when he knew. It has been six months since the last football game. Every day is spent in and out of football. I think it is time to spend some time with my family and my kids.
Brady will be the second future Hall of Fame quarterback to call it quits this season. Ben Roethlisberger announced his retirement on Thursday.
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