Immediately after the first rumor circulated, the US media outdid itself with the long-prepared hymns of praise for the farewell of the best player in football history. “The Limitless Life of Tom Brady,” wrote ESPN. USA Today looked back on the superstar’s “cemented legacy,” and the NFL pro league celebrated “the legendary quarterback career.” But Tom Brady, the one-of-a-kind, hasn’t officially ended his career yet.
On the German night on Sunday, the US news agency AP, among other things, picked up the reports initially distributed by ESPN and reported that the 44-year-old had not yet made his decision to resign. The manager of his club, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was informed of this during a phone call. The excitement in US sport and far beyond has been perfect.
What is true? Only Brady himself knows that, as emphasized by his agent Don Yee. “Without addressing the accuracy or inaccuracy of the reports, Tom will be the only one who has expressed his plans with absolute accuracy,” the statement read. Brady’s father, Tom Senior, even called the reports of his retirement “total conjecture,” he told NFL Network. “Tommy hasn’t made a final decision one way or the other, and anyone who says otherwise is dead wrong.”
Players like Chris Godwin, the NFL and even his company, TB12sports, had only recently congratulated Brady via Twitter on a career that is second to none and has made Brady one of the best athletes on the planet for many. The family man won seven Super Bowls in the National Football League – no one else has more than five.
He was one of the best teams in the league for 20 years with the New England Patriots, and in his first year after moving to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers he won the title again at the end of last season. The Bucs became the first team to win the championship on home soil after 18 years without winning a playoff game prior to Brady’s arrival. His contract in Florida runs for another year. But the decision as to whether he fulfills it is his alone.
Looking at his health and family
When ESPN reported on Saturday, citing several anonymous sources, that the playmaker had made the decision, the only thing that came as a surprise was the timing. Brady had recently commented on his future shortly after the narrow defeat against the Los Angeles Rams and pointed out that he had not yet dealt with it so closely after the game. But he also said, “My kids aren’t getting any younger, and I want to make sure they’re getting what they need.”
Brady is taking the step with his health and family in mind, ESPN said. The NFL’s website first said, “TB12 leaves with a trophy box full of awards.” It later read, “If this really is the end for Brady…” TB12sports also initially tweeted, “7 Super Bowl rings. 5 Super Bowl MVPs. 3 league MVP awards. 22 incredible seasons. Thanks for everything Tom Brady.” The tweet was deleted when Agent Yee’s statement was released.
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However, a report on the NFL website, citing one of its own experts, said the question was not whether Brady would step down, just when. Like everything else in his career, he likes to have this in his own hands, is currently on vacation far away and is probably upset by the current reports.
A resignation would not be necessary for sporting reasons. Until the end of the season, he showed that the oldest player in the league was still capable of it. In the main round he had the best scores for touchdowns, successful passes, attempted passes and yards thrown. He almost helped the Buccaneers comeback against the Rams, for which he is feared and respected in the league.
In addition to the title record, he also holds the record for passing yards (84,520) and touchdowns (624). He was in the Super Bowl final ten times. When he was picked in the sixth round of the 2000 draft as the number 199, no one thought it was possible. That Brady’s career is really over is now much more likely – despite all the confusion. (dpa)
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