Following the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ loss in a close game against the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs, it all seemed likely that Tom Brady, the quarterback of the team, would be announcing his retirement soon. Although confirmation has not yet been made of Brady’s decision, several sources are hinting towards Tom’s goodbye to the NFL. At 44 years of age, Brady stands as the oldest active player in the NFL today. Although it was to be expected for age to be catching up to Brady in the last few years, the quarterback refused to show any signs of slowing down. During the last season, Tom Brady accumulated both the most yardage and touchdowns out of any other quarterback in the league. Despite Brady being seemingly almost immune to the effects of age, retirement was inevitable in the following couple years.

ESPN has been informed that Brady’s decision will not only be affected by his age, but his family as well. Drafted during the 2000 NFL draft, football has been a part of Brady for half his life. Now, understandably, Brady intends to spend more time with his wife and 3 children apart from the NFL offseason. 

With current and former teammates sending Brady praises and farewells on social media, the indication to the end of an era is near. Being commonly referred to as the greatest player in NFL history, Tom Brady respectively holds many records to his name, including passing yards, touchdowns, completions, and Super Bowl victories—leading both the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to at least one Super Bowl. Although the era of Tom Brady is coming to an end, his legacy will undoubtedly be immortalized by players and fans alike.