Retirement Seems to Suit Tom Brady as He Reflects on a Tumultuous Year
Believe it or not, retirement seems to suit Tom Brady. The former NFL star wrapped up his 2023 with a heartfelt message on social media, expressing gratitude for his friends and family during what has been a tumultuous year. Brady even joked about rejoining the NFL as he looked back on a year filled with personal trials and tribulations.
“Looking back on 2023, I am grateful for every moment. Cherishing the highs, learning from the lows, and looking forward to what’s coming next. I’m blessed to have family and friends filled with so much love, joy, and compassion surrounding me. As you get older, you realize that this is really the only thing that matters, and I’ll never take these people for granted,” Brady captioned a slideshow of photos with loved ones on Instagram.
Retirement Decision Influenced by Divorce and Family
In October 2022, Brady and Gisele Bündchen announced their separation after 13 years of marriage. Following three seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Brady made the decision to retire early in 2023 at the age of 46. Reports suggest that his divorce and the toll his demanding football schedule took on his family life influenced his choice to leave the NFL.
However, Brady hasn’t completely ruled out a return to the field. In his heartfelt Instagram post, the quarterback jokingly mentioned that if his friends hadn’t thrown a surprise retirement party in May, he might have stuck to his plan to “unretire.”
“(PS: The only downside to 2023 was when I was about to unretire in May and my friends threw a surprise retirement party. Kind of forced my hand),” Brady playfully remarked.
Avoiding Past Mistakes and Embracing New Beginnings
While Brady’s Instagram slideshow doesn’t feature any pictures with his on-and-off girlfriend, supermodel Irina Shayk, it’s possible that his decision to remain retired was influenced by their blossoming romance. Brady’s retirement party took place in April 2023, and by the end of May, he and Shayk connected at a friend’s wedding. Given the toll his dedication to the NFL took on his marriage with Bündchen, it would make sense if one of the reasons he chose to stay retired was to avoid repeating the same mistakes.
As Brady bids farewell to his football career, he encourages everyone to prioritize their loved ones and make 2024 a kinder and happier year for all. Hug your kids, call your parents, and express your love to your friends. Brady’s retirement serves as a reminder that relationships and personal connections are what truly matter in life.
Before you go, click here for all the celebrity splits and divorces we never saw coming.
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