NFL legend Tom Brady announces his retirement after 22 seasons and seven Super Bowl wins

Tom Brady, one of the greatest players in NFL history, has announced his retirement.

The 44-year-old Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback has won seven Super Bowls in a glittering career across 22 seasons.

He won six titles with the New England Patriots before his final title with the Buccaneers last year.

It was reported in the week following Tampa Bay’s narrow loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFL Divisional round that Brady intended to call time on his record-breaking career.

The future Hall of Fame quarterback has now confirmed his 22nd NFL season was his last in a lengthy statement posted on social media.

“I have always believed the sport of football is an ‘all-in’ proposition – if a 100 per cent competitive commitment isn’t there, you won’t succeed, and success is what I love so much about our game,” Brady said.

“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.

“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 per cent of me, but right now, it’s best I leave the field of play to the next generation of dedicated and committed athletes.”

NFL writer Benjamin Volin gives his assessment of Brady's retirement

Brady thanked his Bucs team-mates, general manager Jason Licht and head coach Bruce Arians in his retirement announcement, as well as the rest of the coaching set-up, staff, supporters and the Glazer family ownership.

There was no mention of the Patriots in his statement, although there was thanks for the likes of his trainer Alex Guerrero, agents Don Yee and Steve Dubin, parents and wider family.

Brady wrote: “And lastly to my wife, Gisele, and my children Jack, Benny and Vivi. You are my inspiration.

“Our family is my greatest achievement. I always came off the field and home to the most loving and supportive wife who has done EVERYTHING for our family to allow me to focus on my career.

“Her selflessness allowed me to reach new heights professionally, and I am beyond words what you mean to me and our family.”

Few would argue that Brady is not the greatest NFL player of all time – something that looked fanciful when selected in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft, the 199th overall pick.

Brady retires as a seven-time Super Bowl champion with countless individual awards, with his playing career making way for the unknown.