Tom Brady has finally confirmed his retirement from the NFL after days of speculation – but there’s one very major snub in his thank you post to fans which people immediately noticed.
The legendary footballer, 44, recently said he was still considering his options after reports of his retirement were initially denied.
However, Brady has now announced he will not be returning for a 23rd season in the league.
The quarterback thanked plenty of people in a series of messages posted on social media – however, there wasn’t a single mention of the New England Patriots, which he spent the first 20 years of his career with.
pic.twitter.com/6gyAzHQOsZ— Tom Brady (@Tom Brady) 1643726480
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Brady joined the Buccaneers in 2020 after rumours of an acrimonious exit from the Patriots, and despite thanking his Buccaneers teammates, there were no kind words for his former team.
Writing in a statement online, he said: “I have always believed the sport of football is an ‘all-in’ proposition – if a 100% competitive commitment isn’t there, you won’t succeed, and success is what I love so much about our game.
“There is a physical, mental and emotional challenge EVERY single day that has allowed me to maximize my highest potential. And I have tried my very best these past 22 years. There are no shortcuts to success on the field or in life.”
Brady added: “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. I’ve done a lot of reflecting the past week and have asked myself difficult questions. And I am so proud of what we have achieved.
“My teammates, coaches, fellow competitors, and fans deserve 100% of me, but right now, it’s best I leave the field of play to the next generation of dedicated and committed athletes.”
The lack of mention for the Patriots didn’t go unnoticed on social media.
I think Tom Brady is saving something special for the #Patriots. Yes, it is eye opening that he did not mention the team in anyway in his retirement post, but I think there is something bigger planned for that— G.T Bobby Thompson (@G.T Bobby Thompson) 1643727517
Patriots fans not getting a mention in Tom Brady's retirement speech pic.twitter.com/MaWuSkgTqP— B/R Gridiron (@B/R Gridiron) 1643727344
Not one mention of "New England" or "Patriots" or "Belichick" in Tom Brady's retirement post on IG.— Arash Madani (@Arash Madani) 1643726569
Did anyone else notice that Tom Brady\u2019s retirement announcement doesn\u2019t mention the Patriots or Bill Belichick at all?— Dave Kluge (@Dave Kluge) 1643726577
Brady holds a record seven Super Bowl wins, including six with the Patriots and one with the Buccaneers in 2021.
He also holds the NFL record for career passing touchdowns (624) and passing yards (84,250).
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