CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 26: Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on during the second half of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on December 26, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
After an illustrious 23-year career, ex-New England Patriot and Tampa Bay Buccaneers signal-caller Tom Brady announced his retirement.
The seven-time Super Bowl champion, of course, initially retired after the team’s playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams last year. 40 days later, however, Brady announced his plans to return to Tampa Bay for a 23rd season.
But it appears as though this is truly the end of the line for Brady, who retires with just about every meaningful quarterback record imaginable. Had he decided to keep playing? Brady’s father, Tom Brady Sr., would’ve liked to see TB12 head back to his childhood team.
Speaking to Ben Volin of The Boston Globe following his son’s retirement announcement, Brady Sr. revealed that the family would’ve been happy to see the three-time league MVP join this year’s NFC runner-ups:
“We would’ve enjoyed him playing in San Francisco, but we’re much happier with his decision doing this than playing for the 49ers. I’m just so proud of the guy. He’s a heck of a good guy. That’s a father talking, but I firmly believe there’s no father who has been given a better son than I have. It’s been a wonderful ride.”
Brady grew up cheering for Joe Montana and the 49ers. The Patriots legend was linked to San Francisco when he entered 2020 free agency, but the 49ers decided to continue with Jimmy Garoppolo as their starter.
Even before his retirement announcement, Brady had been linked aplenty to his boyhood team. The speculation continued to ramp up following the announcement that 49ers QB Brock Purdy requires surgery on a torn UCL.
But Brady’s retirement puts the TB12-49ers dream to an abrupt end. And so, the 49ers will have to hope that Purdy and/or Trey Lance (recovering from a season-ending ankle injury he suffered in Week 2) will be good to go come Week 1.
Brady, who turns 46 in August, retires with seven Super Bowl championships, five Super Bowl MVPs, three league MVP awards and the records for most career passing yards, passing touchdowns and completions.
