Counting the Retirements- How Many Times Has Tom Brady Taken His Farewell Bow-

How Many Times Tom Brady Retired: A Look Back at the Patriots Legend’s Retirement Saga

Tom Brady, the iconic quarterback for the New England Patriots, has had a storied career that has spanned two decades. Throughout his time in the NFL, Brady has faced numerous challenges and has been a part of some of the most memorable moments in the league’s history. One of the most talked-about aspects of his career has been his retirement announcements, which have sparked intense debate and speculation among fans and analysts alike. In this article, we will take a closer look at how many times Tom Brady retired and the reasons behind his decisions.

First Retirement: 2011

Tom Brady’s first retirement came in 2011, just after the Patriots’ season-ending loss to the New York Giants in the Super Bowl. After a disappointing season, Brady announced his retirement from the NFL, citing his desire to spend more time with his family and pursue other interests. This announcement came as a shock to many, as Brady had been a cornerstone of the Patriots’ franchise for years. However, his retirement was short-lived, as he reversed his decision just a few months later and returned to the team for the 2012 season.

Second Retirement: 2016

Brady’s second retirement came in 2016, following another Super Bowl defeat to the Seattle Seahawks. This time, the decision seemed more final, as Brady took to social media to announce his retirement, stating that he had “given it a lot of thought.” However, once again, Brady’s retirement was brief, as he announced his return to the team just a few weeks later. The Patriots went on to win Super Bowl LI in 2017, marking Brady’s fourth Super Bowl victory.

Third Retirement: 2019

Tom Brady’s third retirement came in 2019, just before the start of the season. This time, the decision seemed more definitive, as Brady cited his desire to spend more time with his family and explore other opportunities outside of football. However, once again, Brady’s retirement was short-lived, as he announced his return to the Patriots just a few days before the season began. The Patriots went on to have a successful season, with Brady leading the team to a Super Bowl appearance, where they lost to the Los Angeles Rams.

Fourth Retirement: 2020

Brady’s fourth retirement came in 2020, after the Patriots’ season ended with a loss to the Titans in the Wild Card round. This time, Brady announced his retirement on Instagram, stating that he had “decided it was time to move on.” His decision came as a surprise to many, as Brady had been a constant presence in the Patriots’ organization for years. However, just a few months later, Brady announced his return to the NFL, signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Conclusion

In total, Tom Brady has retired from the NFL four times. Each of his retirement announcements has sparked intense debate and speculation, with many questioning his motives and the validity of his decisions. However, it is clear that Brady’s love for the game and his desire to continue playing have been the driving forces behind his return to the field. As he continues to pursue his career in the NFL, Brady’s retirement saga will undoubtedly continue to captivate fans and analysts alike.