A sad day in Foxboro. Free agent quarterback Tom Brady announced on Instagram Tuesday morning that he would not be returning to the New England Patriots, ending an amazing 20 year run playing for the only NFL team he has ever known.
Brady has yet to make it known who he may sign with for the 2020 season, but he officially hits the open market Wednesday but can negotiate a deal as early as Tuesday when players and teams can reach deals.
Brady leaves New England with six Super Bowl rings and 41 playoff starts since 2001. The 42 year old out of the University of Michigan did state in previous interviews that he’d like to play until the age of 45, but him and the Patriots couldn’t come to a contract extension last offseason. Last season he was visibly frustrated at times with the offense being inept, uncharacteristically losing in the Wild Card round of the AFC playoffs to Tennessee with his last pass as a Patriot being a pick six by former teammate Logan Ryan. He told Westwood One after the season that he was open minded about the free agent process.
Brady, who first got his chance when Drew Bledsoe suffered an injury early in the 2000-01 season, will leave with some incredible accomplishments. Those include three MVP awards, four Super Bowl MVPs, 15 Super Bowl records, a record 13 conference title game appearances, a record nine conference championships, nine Super Bowl appearances (winning six), a total of 17 division championships (Peyton Manning second with 12), leading the Patriots to at least 12 wins 13 times which is the most all time, and also becomes the first quarterback at age 42 to start every game in a regular season.
Here is what Brady said on Tuesday morning announcing his move. Eastern Maine Sports will keep you updated on his next move and where he ends up. It has been rumored in the last several days that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Los Angeles Chargers have alot of interest in the veteran.
“To all my teammates, coaches, executives and staff, Coach Belichick, RKK and the Kraft family and the entire organization … I couldn’t be the man I am today without the relationships you have allowed me to build with you. Our team has always set a great standard in pro sports and I know it will continue to do just that. Although my football journey will take place elsewhere, I appreciate everything that we have achieved and am grateful for our incredible TEAM accomplishments. MA has been my home for twenty 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. I can’t thank you enough for the support of our team. The packed training camps and sold out stadiums and mostly the victory parades. I have been so blessed to share them with you all. I don’t know what my football future holds but it is time for me to open up a new stage for my life and career.”
