EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 02: Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) reacts to the crowd prior to the National Football League game between the New York Jets and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on January 2, 2022 at MetLife Stadium in East Ruth TAMPA, Fla. - After much speculation following Tampa Bay’s loss in the playoffs, the GOAT, Tom Brady, is retiring after 22 years and seven rings, according to a report from ESPN, which says sources gave the news to Jeff Darlington and Adam Schefter on Saturday.
FOX 13 reached out to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for comment and they said they cannot confirm Brady's retirement. Brady became the starter at Michigan in 1998 and led the team to two bowl wins during the course of his collegiate career.
He was then drafted in the sixth round by the New England Patriots in 2000. Brady spent 20 seasons with the team -- a run that includes nine Super Bowl appearances, six of those as champion.
In March 2020, he announced he signed a contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a welcomed distraction for local fans that came just days after the pandemic was made official and Florida began closing businesses. FROM 2020: It's official: Tom Brady is going to be a Tampa Bay BuccaneerAt the time, the legendary quarterback said he was "excited humble, and hungry.""I’m starting a new football journey and thankful for the @buccaneers for giving me an opportunity to do what I love to do.