Tom Brady made headlines when he announced on Tuesday (March 17) that he was leaving the New England Patriots after being with them for 20 years.
“I appreciate everything that we have achieved and am grateful for our incredible TEAM accomplishments. I have been privileged to have had the opportunity to know each and every one of you, and to have the memories we’ve created together,” Tom wrote in part, in a statement posted on Twitter. “To all my teammates, coaches, executives and staff, Coach [Bill] Belichick, RKK and the Kraft family and the entire organization. I want to say thank you for the past twenty years of my life and the daily commitment to winning and creating a winning culture built on great values. I am grateful for all that you have taught me — I have learned from everyone.”
He also gave a shoutout to the fans for all their support throughout the years.
“I wanted to say thank you to all of the incredible fans and Patriots supporters. [Massachusetts] has been my home for 20 years. It has truly been the happiest two decades I could have envisioned in my life and I have nothing but love and gratitude for my time in New England. The support has been overwhelming — I wish every player could experience it. My children were born and raised here and you always embraced this California kid as your own. I love your commitment and loyalty to your teams and winning for our city means more than you will ever know,” he said in a second statement.
The legendary quarterback has won six Super Bowl rings with the Patriots, is a four-time Super Bowl Most Valuable Player and three-time league MVP. “I don’t know what my football future holds but it is time for me to open a new stage for my life and career,” he continued.
So, what’s next for Tom?
Revealing the next steps he’s taking in his career, Tom went on social media to announce that he’s moving to a warmer climate – Florida!
“Excited, humble and hungry …if there is one thing I have learned about football, it’s that nobody cares what you did last year or the year before that…you earn the trust and respect of those around through your commitment every single day,” he captioned a photo of him signing the contract, taken by his 12-year-old son Jack. “I’m starting a new football journey and thankful for the @buccaneers for giving me an opportunity to do what I love to do. I look forward to meeting all my new teammates and coaches and proving to them that they can believe and trust in me…I have always believed that well done is better than well said, so I’m not gonna say much more – I’m just gonna get to work! #Year1”
Yes, folks, Tom is now part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Apparently, Tom got two offers before deciding. According to CBS Sports, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Los Angeles Chargers reportedly offered Tom a salary of at least $30 million to join their teams. That would make him one of the top 10 highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL!
