Seven-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady announced his retirement from the NFL at the end of the 2021/2022 season, putting an end to an incredible career in the league. Brady was first indicted in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots and nobody could have anticipated the career he would go on to have in Foxborough.
It's not just Brady’s high standards that put him above any other quarterback in the history of the game: ultimately, it's his longevity that has helped him to stand out. Unbelievably, before retiring, the 44-year-old has played in 22 consecutive seasons within the league. This feat is unlikely to be challenged by any other contenders any time soon.
In fact, we may never see a quarterback dominate the sport in the way that Brady has done. Not only has he lifted the Vince Lombardi Trophy seven times, but he has also been the Super Bowl MVP on five occasions and was voted the NFL’s MVP on three different seasons.
As soon as he becomes eligible, Brady is sure to enter the Hall of the Fame in the NFL, where he will stand alongside the sport’s greatest ever players. Many now believe he is the best to ever feature in the league.
His most recent team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, must now try and find a worthy replacement, which will be no easy task. They are now the best price of +3300 with the bookmakers listed on Oddschecker for the 2023 Super Bowl, however, it's clear that those odds would be much shorter if Brady had stayed on for another year.
Highlights: Comeback Win Over Falcons
One of the most impressive moments of Brady’s career came at Super Bowl LI. His side trailed the Atlanta Falcons 3-28 in the second half of that game and looked on course for a defeat. Nonetheless, the Patriots QB was able to inspire his side to the biggest comeback in the history of the Super Bowl, prevailing 34-28.
Bookmakers were offering odds of +1100 on the Patriots when they were behind by 25 points in that game. Those who backed Brady’s side would have been overjoyed and celebrating in full swing when the comeback was completed in overtime with James White’s touchdown.
Rightfully so, Brady was named the Super Bowl MVP after the game. Despite the magnitude of the task, coming back from a losing position, it looked as though the Patriots QB believed in his side every step of the way. This was clear from the fact that, during each huddle, he kept motivating his players to continue giving their all in the game.
Tampa Bay Success: Victory Outside of New England
The seventh and final Super Bowl in Brady’s career came with the Buccaneers. This was an important success in his legacy as it showed he could lead a team to success outside of the Brady-Belichick dynasty in New England.
In his first year with his new team, Brady adapted to a new style of play under head coach Bruce Arians and helped the franchise win the Super Bowl for the first time in 18 years.
It remains to be seen what challenge Brady will take up now he is retired. One thing is for sure: if he puts in as much as he did during his NFL career, it will be a huge success whatever it is.
