Tom Brady has reportedly filed a letter to the National Football League and NFL Players Association reconfirming his retirement decision, sources with knowledge of the situation confirmed to ESPN's Adam Schefter on Friday (February 10).
"This letter silences any questions about whether Brady might return and now makes him eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 2028," Schefter tweeted.
Brady announced he's "retiring for good" after 23 NFL seasons in a video shared on his official social media accounts. The 45-year-old had previously announced his retirement last offseason before announcing his decision to return several weeks later.
"I know the process was a pretty big deal last time so when I woke up this morning I figured I'd just press record and let you guys know first so it won't be long winded," Brady said. "You only get one super emotional retirement essay and I used mine up last year so, really, thank you guys so much for supporting me. My family, my friends, my teammates, my competitors. I could go on forever. There's too many. Thank you guys for allowing me to live my absolute dream. I wouldn't change a thing. I love you all."
Brady was set to become a free agent this offseason if he decided to continue his NFL career. The San Mateo native has a massive contract to become FOX Sports' lead NFL analyst beginning after the conclusion of his playing career, but has publicly stated that he won't start until 2024, taking the next year to spend time with his family and prepare for the job.
Brady signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the 2020 offseason following 20 seasons with the New England Patriots, which included six Super Bowl victories.
Tampa Bay defeated the Kansas City Chiefs, 31-9, in Super Bowl LV during Brady's first season with the franchise. The 45-year-old is the NFL's all-time passing leader for yards and touchdowns, as well as quarterback wins, among numerous other records.
Jason Whitlock: Why LeBron James' Scoring Record Doesn't Matter
Colin Cowherd Doubts Eagles: 'They Hit the Powerball With Their Schedule'
'The WNBA Sucks': Clay Travis Defends His Viral Tweet
Rob Parker: 'Ludicrous' to Call LeBron 'GOAT' For Breaking Scoring Record
Nick Wright Says the Chiefs Are Going to 'Kill' the Eagles in Super Bowl 57
Lakers Make Massive Leap in Colin Cowherd’s Western Conference Rankings
Colin Cowherd Says Saints Aren't a Fit For Derek Carr, But Here's Who Is
Why It's Time the Chicago Bears Rid Themselves of Justin Fields
Doug Gottlieb Rips Kyrie Irving: 'He's Poison, He's a Team Killer'
Tom Brady Explains to Colin Cowherd If He Will Ever Return to the NFL