Tom Brady Announces He's Retiring For Good In Emotional Video

Congratulations are in order. Football legend Tom Brady has retired... for a second time.

"Good morning, guys. I'll get to the point right away. I'm retiring for good. I know the process was a pretty big deal last time. So, when I woke up this morning, I figured I'd just press record and let you guys know first so. I won't be long-winded. You only get one super emotional retirement essay and I used mine up last year," he joked in an emotional video he posted to Instagram and Twitter

All aforementioned emotional retirement essays aside, however, the seven-time Superbowl winner did take a moment to express gratitude to his nearest and dearest. "I really thank you guys so much to everyone single one of you for supporting me. My family, my friends, my teammates, my competitors ... I can go on forever. There's too many. Thank you guys for allowing me to live my absolute dream," he gushed.

Second time's the charm?

As the Backstreet Boys once waxed poetic, quit playing games with our hearts, Tom Brady. We beg of you. 

As you may recall, Tom Brady made headlines back in 2022 when he dropped his first retirement bomb and announced that he was putting down the pigskin. "This is difficult for me to write, but here it goes: I am not going to make that competitive commitment anymore. I have loved my NFL career, and now it is time to focus my time and energy on other things that require my attention," he penned in a bombshell Instagram post on February 1, 2022. 

Then, in a move that shocked everyone, he changed course and took it all back less than two months later. "These past two months I've realized my place is still on the field and not in the stands," he declared on March 13, 2022. "That time will come. But it's not now," he carefully added. "I love my teammates, and I love my supportive family. They make it all possible. I'm coming back for my 23rd season in Tampa. Unfinished business LFG," he concluded much to the pleasant surprise of his many fans. 

Twitter has big feelings about Tom Brady's second retirement

As one can imagine, news of Tom Brady's second retirement traveled fast, and the Twittersphere has very BIG feelings about it. Huge.

"The best!!! Enjoyed watching you for 20+ years, hope you sign a 1 day contract with the Patriots to retire with NE! The legit goat. Loved watching you growing up! Cheers man and LFG!!!!!!!" one fan penned in a nostalgic tweet. Meanwhile, another took a playful swat at Brady's second round of retirement. "Time for Tom Brady's annual retirement announcement," the user quipped. Still, another expressed hope that maybe he and his ex-wife Gisele Bündchen could rekindle their romance now that he's done with football for good this time. "Now that he is officially retired maybe he and Gisele can get back together, this was her major issue that he was never home to help with the family and kids, maybe they can make it work again," the user tweeted out in optimism. TBD, we suppose.

But that's not all. Many celebs and athletes also flocked to Brady's surprise retirement post...

Celebs and athletes have rallied around Tom Brady amid his retirement news

Upon hearing the news that Tom Brady had retired for his second and final time or "for good" as he put it, many athletes, A-listers, and even famous retirees took to the comments section to show their support.

"A sensational career. To say the least! Onward. Love HJ," Australian actor Hugh Jackman wrote. Meanwhile, tennis superstar Serena Williams penned a heartfelt but playful comment that read, "I'm getting teary eyed watching this. Sad to see you go. Welcome to the retirement world... Again." Another noteworthy response came from none other than fellow retired footballer JJ Watt. "Greatest of All Time. No question, no debate. It's been an honor and a privilege," he penned along with a goat emoji. "PS – The newly retired group meets on the golf course every morning at 10 am. Drinks are on the new guy, so bring your wallet," he added in jest. (Brady, you've been warned.) 

It should also be noted that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers also paid tribute to Brady's retirement on their official Twitter account with a short and sweet message that read, "#ThankYouTom," along with an image of his Tampa Jersey number, 12. Congrats, Brady! Happy [second] retirement.