Tom Brady announced his retirement on Wednesday, and even though this seems really familiar, this isn't Groundhog Day and you haven't traveled back in time. In a video he posted on Twitter, Brady said he's retiring "for good" this time, exactly one year to the day after he retired the first time.
When Brady announced his retirement on Feb. 1, 2022, you couldn't look at social media for more than 20-30 seconds without seeing a Brady tribute video or article, all praising him for his outstanding and singular career. This time there were more jokes, since Brady literally did this 365 days ago.
I would post a tribute to Tom but did one last year. No more. Congrats on a great career, buddy! https://t.co/ERf2w9MrRA
— Matt Cassel (@M_Cassel16) February 1, 2023
welp.....the Dolphins can now legally pursue Tom Brady...but this time as a minority owner
— Roy Bellamy (@roybelly) February 1, 2023
Imagine randomly walking your dog on the beach and Tom Brady is retiring over by the dunes.
— Conor Orr (@ConorOrr) February 1, 2023
Liza Minnelli has outlived Tom Brady's football career (again). The superstar quarterback has confirmed he is retiring.
— LizaMinnelliOutlives (@LiZaOutlives) February 1, 2023
There were some fans who just straight up don't believe Brady is seriously done, even though he said he was retiring "for good" in his video.
Is he really though? https://t.co/0kTgnV1k4G pic.twitter.com/5RJR86OA5R
— y-Linzi (@linzireads) February 1, 2023
really surprised he’s leaving on THAT season man
— some guy from PA (@Pennthusiast) February 1, 2023
give it 20 minutes and we’ll see a “Tom Brady is coming out of retirement” tweet https://t.co/XV0KKmiwKj
Yea we've heard this before. I'll believe it when I see it https://t.co/pSrrQoecfY
— Brian #MSAwareness (@StormingB81) February 1, 2023
Others fans took some time to luxuriate in the memories Brady left them ... of their favorite teams beating him in big games. Philadelphia Eagles fans were especially amped, as the Eagles were the last team to beat Brady in a Super Bowl, and they're also headed to the Super Bowl again in less than two weeks.
Thank you for all the memories https://t.co/E9EkUOeV9q pic.twitter.com/9n80noz0vQ
— EAGLES. SUPER BOWL. (@yourfriendSea) February 1, 2023
Tom Brady’s retirement is a good time to remember that he played the best game of his career in Super Bowl LII against the Eagles and Nick Foles actually outplayed him.
— shamus (@shamus_clancy) February 1, 2023
Thanks (again) for the memories, Tom Brady! pic.twitter.com/qMyvvWa9m9
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) February 1, 2023
Happy retirement to quarterback Tom Brady, most famous for losing to the Eagles in Super Bowl 52 pic.twitter.com/t1vP2DOILr
— John Foley (@2008Philz) February 1, 2023
Salute @TomBrady https://t.co/aNceCJOXlU pic.twitter.com/akRHIP3akj
— go birds 🦅(16-3) NFC CHAMPS (@gobirdslol) February 1, 2023
Jokes aside, fans, broadcasters, and fellow players (both active and retired) sent Brady their best wishes on his (probably) permanent retirement
Greatest of All Time.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) February 1, 2023
No question, no debate.
It’s been an honor and a privilege.
🐐
PS - The newly retired group meets on the golf course every morning at 10am. Drinks are on the new guy, so bring your wallet. https://t.co/rjPx7bQa6u
Congrats to our co-founder @TomBrady on your unparalleled career.
— TB12sports (@TB12sports) February 1, 2023
As we reflect on the legacy you’ve cemented, we recognize not only what you did for this sport but how you inspired millions of people around the world.#ThankYouTom pic.twitter.com/XpOyFG3Gjb
Rest easy king. #SerraPadre https://t.co/iVsiztbn7A
— David Bakhtiari (@DavidBakhtiari) February 1, 2023
cut his career in half and @TomBrady would make the NFL Hall of Fame TWICE 🐐 pic.twitter.com/PpB4BOZJlf
— Donté Stallworth (@DonteStallworth) February 1, 2023
Congrats @TomBrady on an unbelievable career. It was fun to watch! https://t.co/zkobgugR52
— Derek Jeter (@derekjeter) February 1, 2023
Nobody has ever done it better. Congratulations on one amazing career, @TomBrady, we love you!
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) February 1, 2023
🐐 https://t.co/CmbPDHKEjf
Quite the ride indeed.
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) February 1, 2023
Thank you again, @TomBrady. https://t.co/F47CHUQT7p
One eagle-eyed Twitter user pointed out that Brady's announcement comes just a few days before the movie "80 for Brady" comes out.
Tom Brady already has my undying respect but if he really timed a retirement announcement around 80 for Brady opening weekend he is truly my hero
— DJ Bean (@DJ_Bean) February 1, 2023
If that's true, good for him. It's his life and his career. If he wants to announce his retirement to boost the box office receipts for a movie he's heavily involved in, that's his choice. He didn't play world-class football for 23 seasons just to let someone else dictate how it ends.