TAMPA, FL. – Tom Brady is special. There will never be another one like him. I really believe that.
Brady played at 44 years old, 22 NFL seasons, leaving with the most touchdown passes (624) , most passing yards (84,250), and numerous records that would fill up this entire page. But you get the picture. Brady never had the highest salary of QB’s in the NFL in fact this past season Brady wasn’t even in the top 10.
Patrick Mahomes average annual salary is $45 million, followed by Josh Allen ($43 million), Dak Prescott ($40 million) and Deshaun Wastson (39 million) and Watson didn’t even play this season.
Brady always took less to make it affordable for the Patriots and Bucs to fill their rosters with high-level talent. In this day and age with a team of assistants, agents, social media personnel, it’s hard for these superstars to not try and get the most money from their organizations.
Not many can give up commitments to family and business as Brady did just to play at such a high level. In fact, that was what drove Brady to retire.
“This is difficult for me to write, but here it goes,” said Brady in his statement. “I’m not going to make that competitive commitment anymore.”
There were hints along the way but he was 100% committed to the Bucs this season and really couldn’t take time to reflect on what to do until after the loss to the Rams.
I saw it first hand. Always working on some part of his game in practice. Staying late with new players coming in and on and on.
Brady after 20 seasons in New England revitalized a Buccaneer organization and this news affects the entire NFL.
“Tom Brady will be remembered as one of the greats to ever play in the NFL,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “An incredible competitor and leader, his stellar career is remarkable for his longevity, but also for the sustained excellence he displayed year after year.”
So now with the clock ticking the Bucs will look for a new starting quarterback. A number of free agents will decide whether to stay or test the waters elsewhere. it was an incredible two-year run for the Bucs culminating in a Super Bowl victory and I am glad and thankful that I got to cover it all.
On to the next chapter!
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