NFL MVP Tom Brady finally decided he will not return for his 23rd NFL season in 2022, as he is set to announce his retirement from football, the nation's sports media has reported.
According to the first reports by ESPN and SportsCenter, the retirement of the football star became known through numerous sources in his entourage. Moreover, it is noted that Brady had been considering the move for a certain amount of time and intended to announce it in the near future.
Shortly after the initial reports, Brady's decision to retire from the sport was confirmed by the NFL.
However, on Saturday evening, The Atlantic reported that despite the reports of his retirement, Brady, in a direct call after the news, told the Buccaneers that he has not made any decisions on his future and was not even close to deciding if he will be back for the 2022 season.
According to earlier reports about the player's retirement plans, the 44-year-old reigning Super Bowl MVP is still under contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for another season, but ever since the team's playoff loss to the Rams, he has been thinking about his future.
Sources told CBS Sports earlier this week that making an announcement the week before the Super Bowl, which is set to take place 13 February, would not be Brady's style, and waiting until after the Super Bowl, with the scouting season just weeks away, would limit the Buccaneers' ability to pivot as an organisation and readjust their plans for 2022.
"He is very respectful of the game, and has great respect for the Tampa organisation and all they have done for him", a source close to Brady was quoted as telling the outlet on Friday. "He understands the ramifications that this decision would have on the team moving forward, and he would never want to do anything to upstage the playoffs. Whatever he decides, I'd expect he announces it soon".
According to other reports, Tampa Bay may be looking to get Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, 38, to replace Brady.
At the moment, it is not known what the famous player is going to do after retirement, but sources told ESPN that the decision to leave the sport is final and Brady is looking for new endeavours.
Brady holds the record for most Lombardi trophies won by a single player in NFL history with seven. In his 22 seasons, he set numerous marks, including the most touchdown passes (624) and passing yards (84,250).
Brady's performance in the final year of his career, when he led the NFL in touchdowns and passing yards during the regular season, suggested he could have continued to play at a championship level. But, according to reports, he acknowledged the sacrifice it would entail for him and his family and decided to move on.