(WWJ) - Tom Brady announced he is retiring from the NFL in a post to social media on Wednesday morning -- and this time it appears to be final.
The 45-year-old quarterback and University of Michigan alum made the decision twice in as many years, but said in posts made to Facebook, Instagram and Twitter on Feb. 1, he said that this time, it's "for good."
"I know the process was a pretty big deal last time, so when I woke up this morning, I figured I'd just press record and let you guys know first," Brady said in a video posted online. "I won't be long-winded. You only get one super emotional retirement essay, and I used mine up last year."
Often referred to as the G.O.A.T., Brady is the only NFL player to win seven Super Bowls. He was named Most Valuable Player of the Year three times and won Super Bowl MVP five times.
"My family, my friends, my teammates, my competitors -- I could go on forever, there's too many," Brady said in the video. "Thank you guys for allowing me to live my absolute dream. I wouldn't change a thing. Love you all."
The announcement brings to a close Brady's 23-year NFL career, most of which was played with the New England Patriots. He joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020.
Brady previously said he was stepping away from football exactly one year ago on Wednesday, but decided to come back and rejoin the Buccaneers for what would be his final season a couple of months later.
Brady said in his post he "wouldn't change a thing" about his career.
Prior to his NFL career, Brady played for the University of Michigan where he started out as a reserve quarterback under Hall-of-Fame Coach Lloyd Carr.
He earned his way to the team's starting roster 1998 and led the Wolverines to nine victories, to include the 1999 Florida Citrus Bowl.
After helping U-M win the Orange Bowl in his final season, he entered the NFL Draft where he was picked by the Patriots at number 199.