On Saturday, rumors rapidly circulated that Tom Brady’s illustrious career had come to an end. This news sent shockwaves throughout the world, as Brady seemed to be getting better with age. The 44-year-old is coming off a season in which he threw for 5,300 yards and 43 TDS. Though, every good thing has to come to an end. 

Just a few short hours following the retirement reports, a story broke that Brady had informed the Buccaneers that he is nowhere close to making a decision regarding his future. Furthermore, Brady’s family came out and stated that a decision had not been made and if one was, his family would be the first to know. This sent the media and sports fans across the globe into a frenzy. 

The brouhaha regarding Brady’s future began following a heartbreaking loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional round last week. After the loss, Brady left the door open for his retirement. The legendary quarterback has spent 22 seasons on the turf, all of which will go down in history. In these 22 years, football has been the center of his family’s life, and is well aware of it. #12 has admitted that his decision is not about what he wants, it’s ultimately about what his family wants.

Then, on Tuesday, Brady officially decided to call it quits. Sundays will never be the same. Better yet, the NFL will never be the same. Watching this quarterback under center has been nothing short of remarkable. With seven Lombardi Trophies, he has more Super Bowl victories than any other NFL franchise. He has the most playoff wins by any quarterback with 35, as well as the highest winning percentage by a quarterback with over 200 games played. The list goes on for Brady who has defied insurmountable odds after being drafted 199th overall in 2000. 

Brady’s commitment to consistency and his hunger for victories is unmatched, something that I am very familiar with growing up as a Jets fan. To this day, I have always rooted against Brady for the years of heartbreak he has caused Gang Green. Despite the intense rivalry and the countless defeats, I am so happy and lucky to have been alive to watch Brady perform each Sunday. I have so much respect for this man because of the way he carries himself and the fierce intensity he brings to the gridiron time and time again. A NFL without Brady will never be the same regardless of if you loved him or hated him. He is a champion. He is a legend. He is the greatest to ever put on the uniform.