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5 Defining Moments: The Complete Timeline Of When Tom Brady Officially Retired (Twice)

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The question of "When did Tom Brady retire?" is more complex than a single date, as the legendary quarterback stepped away from the NFL twice, creating one of the most talked-about sagas in sports history. As of the current date in late 2025, the definitive and final date of his retirement from professional football is February 1, 2023, following his 23rd season in the league. This second, and permanent, announcement came nearly a year to the day after his initial, short-lived retirement, officially closing the book on the career of the greatest player in NFL history (the G.O.A.T.) and launching him into a new phase as a major sports broadcaster and team owner. The journey to the end of his playing career was a dramatic, 24-month period marked by speculation, a stunning comeback, and a final, emotional farewell that solidified his transition from the field to the broadcast booth and the boardroom. His decision to retire at 45 years old, after a career that spanned over two decades, was met with universal praise, acknowledging his unparalleled success with both the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr. Biography and Career Profile

Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr. was born on August 3, 1977, in San Mateo, California. His professional football career began in 2000 when he was famously selected by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the NFL Draft, as the 199th overall pick. This selection is often cited as the greatest draft steal in league history. * Full Name: Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr. * Born: August 3, 1977 (San Mateo, California) * College: University of Michigan * NFL Draft: 2000, Round 6, Pick 199 (New England Patriots) * NFL Seasons: 23 (2000–2022) * Primary Teams: New England Patriots (2000–2019), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2020–2022) * Super Bowl Titles: 7 (A record for any player or franchise) * Super Bowl MVP Awards: 5 (A record) * NFL MVP Awards: 3 * Pro Bowl Selections: 15 * Career Records (All-Time Leader): Passing Yards (89,214), Touchdown Passes (649), Regular Season Wins (251), Playoff Wins (35), and many others. * First Retirement Announcement: February 1, 2022 * Final Retirement Announcement: February 1, 2023 * Post-NFL Career: Lead Color Commentator for Fox Sports, Partial Owner of the Las Vegas Raiders. Brady's legacy is defined by his longevity, his clutch performances, and his unprecedented number of championships. He spent 20 seasons with the Patriots, winning six Super Bowls, before moving to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020 and immediately leading them to a Super Bowl LV victory in his first season with the team.

The Tumultuous 40-Day 'Unretirement' of 2022

The first time the world thought Tom Brady was retiring was on February 1, 2022. Following the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round of the 2021 NFL season playoffs, Brady announced his decision to step away from the game after 22 seasons. The announcement was widely accepted as the end of an era, with tributes pouring in from across the sports world. However, the retirement was incredibly short-lived. Just 40 days later, on March 13, 2022, Brady shocked the NFL community by reversing his decision. He took to social media to declare that he had "unfinished business" and would be returning to the Buccaneers for the 2022 NFL season. This brief period of unretirement added a unique chapter to his career, proving that the competitive fire still burned fiercely within the legendary quarterback. The decision to return, however, was later linked to significant personal changes, including the eventual dissolution of his marriage.

The Definitive End: February 1, 2023

The definitive and final answer to "when did Tom Brady retire?" is February 1, 2023. This time, the announcement came exactly one year after his initial retirement, following the Buccaneers' playoff loss to the Dallas Cowboys in the Wild Card round of the 2022 NFL season. Brady made the announcement via a short video posted to social media, confirming that he was retiring "for good." The video was notably brief and to-the-point, a stark contrast to the more formal statement of the previous year, and even included a humorous nod to his short-lived return. At 45 years old, he concluded his 23-season career as the undisputed all-time leader in nearly every major passing category, a feat of longevity and excellence unmatched in professional sports. His final season, the 2022 campaign, saw him continue to perform at a high level despite the Buccaneers' struggles. Brady finished the year with 4,694 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions, leading the league in attempts and completions in his final year. The sheer volume of his career statistics—including his record 89,214 passing yards and 649 touchdown passes—cemented his status as the greatest to ever play the game.

Life After Football: Broadcasting and Ownership Ventures

Tom Brady's retirement did not signal a retreat from the spotlight; rather, it marked a pivot to an equally high-profile career in the business and media world. This transition is a key part of the current narrative surrounding the former G.O.A.T.

The Fox Sports Megadeal

One of the most significant post-retirement moves was his agreement to become the lead color commentator for the NFL on Fox. This massive, long-term contract is reportedly worth hundreds of millions of dollars, establishing him as one of the highest-paid sports analysts in history. His role involves analyzing the biggest games of the week, bringing his unique perspective as a seven-time Super Bowl champion to the broadcast booth. He has expressed being "very happy" with his new gig, focusing on work and spending time with his children.

NFL Ownership and Business Ventures

In addition to his broadcasting career, Brady has entered the world of professional sports ownership. In a major business move, he became a partial owner of the Las Vegas Raiders. This move allows him to remain directly connected to the NFL's competitive structure, albeit from a different vantage point. He has also been involved in other ventures, including a brief return to the field for a flag football tournament in Saudi Arabia alongside other NFL stars like Rob Gronkowski, demonstrating that his connection to the game remains strong, even in a non-professional capacity. Brady's post-career activities are a testament to his enduring brand power and his commitment to staying active in the sports landscape, ensuring that his influence on the NFL continues long after his final snap. His retirement, while definitive in 2023, has merely opened a new chapter in a career defined by unprecedented success and relentless ambition.
5 Defining Moments: The Complete Timeline of When Tom Brady Officially Retired (Twice)
when did tom brady retire
when did tom brady retire

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