Tom Brady says ‘only downside’ of 2023 was a surprise retirement party
Tom Brady shares his highlight reel from 2023.
“I look back on 2023 with gratitude for every moment,” 46-year-old Brady wrote via Instagram on Sunday, December 31. “I cherish the highs, learn from the lows and look forward to what is to come.”
Brady posted a carousel of photos, including sweet moments with his kids: Jack, 16, Ben, 14, and Vivian, 11. (Brady shares Jack with ex Bridget Moynahanwhile he shares his two younger children with his ex-wife Gisele Bundchen.)
“I am blessed to have family and friends who are filled with so much love, joy and compassion around me,” he continued. “As you get older, you realize that this is really the only thing that matters, and I will never take these people for granted. Hug your kids, call your parents, tell your friends you love them, and let’s all help make 2024 a kinder and happier year for everyone in our lives.”
The former New England Patriots quarterback concluded his post by jokingly revealing a low point from the past year.
“PS: The only downside of 2023 was when I was getting ready to retire in May and my friends threw a surprise retirement party,” he wrote. “I forced my hand a little.”
Ahead of the 2023 NFL season, Brady announced his plans to retire for a second time via an emotional Instagram video.
“I love my family. I love my teammates. I love my friends. I love my coaches. I love football. I love you all,” he captioned the post in February. “I’m truly grateful on this day. Thank you.”
Tom Brady’s ups and downs over the years
Tom Brady has come a long way since he was first drafted by the New England Patriots in 2000. After signing with the Pats, the footballer was eventually nicknamed GOAT (Greatest of All Time) thanks to his impressive skills on the field. In fact, Brady has played in nine Super Bowl games and won seven of them […]
In the video post, Brady joked that he would “get to the point,” and thanked his fans, as well as his family, friends, teammates and competitors.
“I know the process was quite invasive last time, so when I woke up this morning I thought I’d just hit the record button and let you guys know first,” he said. “I won’t be long-winded. You only get one super emotional retirement essay and I used mine up last year.
In February 2022, Brady briefly retired from football, but announced the following month that he would play one more season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“Over the past two months I have realized that my place is still on the pitch and not in the stands. That time will come,” he wrote in March 2022 via X (formerly Twitter). “But that’s not now. I love my teammates, and I love my supportive family. They make it all possible. I’ll be back for my 23rd season in Tampa. Unfinished business LFG.”