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Brady is ready to hang up his helmet.

Over the weekend, following the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Rams, rumors began to circulate that Tom Brady, one of the biggest names in the NFL, would finally be retiring from football after a decorated career. These rumors seemed fairly credible, citing sources allegedly within the Buccs that Brady was planning to make the announcement very soon.

As it turns out, those rumors were right on the money. After a brief period of indecision yesterday, Brady decided it was time to make it official, announcing his retirement on his personal Instagram.

“I have always believed the sport of football is an ‘all-in’ proposition — if a 100% competitive commitment isn’t there, you won’t succeed, and success is what I love so much about our game,” Brady said. “There is a physical, mental and emotional challenge EVERY single day that has allowed me to maximize my highest potential. And I have tried my very best these past 22 years. There are no shortcuts to success on the field or in life.

It was quite the ride.

Thank you and congratulations, @TomBrady. pic.twitter.com/0gPwUROEkz

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) February 1, 2022

“This is difficult for me to write, but here it goes: I am not going to make that competitive commitment anymore. I have loved my NFL career, and now it is time to focus my time and energy on other things that require my attention. I’ve done a lot of reflecting the past week and have asked myself difficult questions. And I am so proud of what we have achieved. My teammates, coaches, fellow competitors, and fans deserve 100% of me, but right now, it’s best I leave the field of play to the next generation of dedicated and committed athletes.”