Tom Brady is LEAVING New England as the 42-year-old first-time free agent thanks fans, teammates, coach Bill Belichick and owner Robert Kraft on Twitter while declaring he is ‘FOREVER A PATRIOT’
- Tom Brady has announced on Twitter that he is leaving the New England Patriots
- The 42-year-old has spent his entire 20-year career in New England, winning six Super Bowls, nine AFC titles, and three Most Valuable Player awards
Tom Brady is leaving the New England Patriots after 20 seasons, six Super Bowl victories, nine AFC titles, 219 wins, and three Most Valuable Player awards.
The 42-year-old first-time free agent did not announce his next destination, but he did announce his exit from Foxborough on Tuesday.
‘Although my football journey will take place elsewhere, I appreciate everything that we have achieved and am grateful for our incredible TEAM accomplishment,’ he wrote. ‘I have been privileged to have had the opportunity to know each and everyone of you, and to have the memories we’ve created together.’
Tom Brady is leaving the New England Patriots after 20 seasons, six Super Bowl victories, nine AFC titles, 219 wins, and three Most Valuable Player awards
Brady leaves the Patriots ranking second in NFL history in passing touchdowns (541) and passing yards (74,571).
He and Belichick also rank as the most successful coach-quarterback duo, with 219 wins, 30 postseason victories, and, of course, their six Super Bowl titles.
‘To all my teammates, coaches, executives, Coach Belichick, RKK, and the Kraft family and the entire organization,’ Belichick’s statement began. ‘I want to say thank you for the past twenty years of my life and the daily commitment to winning and creating a winning culture built on great values. I am grateful for all that you have taught me – I have learned from everyone.
‘You have allowed me to maximize my potential and that is all a player can ever hope for. Everything we have accomplished brings me great joy and the lessons I have learned will carry on with me forever. I couldn’t be the man I am today without the relationships you have allowed me to build with you. I have benefited from all you have given me. I cherished every opportunity I had to be a part of our team, and I love you all for that.
‘Our team has always set a great standard in pro sports and I know it will continue to do just that.’
Brady had signed an extension prior to that season, which effectively served as a one-year deal that gave him the opportunity to become a free agent for the first time.
Owner Robert Kraft previously stated publicly that he hope to see Brady back in New England next season, but the married father of three apparently has his eyes set elsewhere.
Among the teams that were reported to be interested in Brady’s services, the Tennessee Titans appeared to withdraw their interest on Monday, when they agreed to a a four-year, $118 million deal with incumbent starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
A sixth-round pick in the 2000 NFL Draft, Brady was a backup quarterback until an injury to Drew Bledsoe thrust him into the starter’s role in 2001. That season ended with an improbable Super Bowl run and an upset of the heavily favored St. Louis Rams to win the franchise’s first NFL title.
A sixth-round pick in the 2000 NFL Draft, Brady was a backup until an injury to Drew Bledsoe thrust him into the starter’s role in 2001. That season ended with an improbable Super Bowl run and an upset of the heavily favored St. Louis Rams to win the franchise’s first NFL title