Tom Brady Thanks Wife Gisele: 'Our Family Is My Greatest Achievement'

Quarterback Tom Brady has officially retired.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in the history of NFL, many had been speculating about Brady's retirement ever since ESPN reported his retirement on Saturday.

Brady was quick to say that he still hadn't made up his mind, which left many fans spending the weekend wondering whether or not Brady was planning on coming back for another season.

On Tuesday morning, though, that speculation was finally put to rest. Brady announced his retirement on his Instagram page on February 1.

In a message that spanned several pages, Brady finally put speculation to rest and announced his retirement on 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,” he began. “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.”

“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,” he continued.

“I’ve done a lot of reflecting the past week and have asked myself difficult questions,” he went on. “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.”

In addition to thanking his teammates, coaches, and fans, Brady also posted a special thank you to his wife and his family.

During his announcement, he issued a special thank you to his wife and three children.

“To my parents and entire family (And extended family of countless friends), I love you and thank you for your never-ending support and love,” he added. “I could never have imagined the time and energy you have given for me the past 30 years in football. I can never repay you. And just know I love you so much.”

“And lastly to my wife, Gisele, and my children, Jack, Benny and Vivi. You are my inspiration,” he went on. “Our family is my greatest achievement. I always came off the field and home to the most loving and supportive wife who has done EVERYTHING for our family to allow me to focus on my career. Her selflessness allowed me to reach new heights professionally, and I am beyond words what you mean to me and our family. Te amo amor da minha vida.”

As The Blast previously reported, Tom Brady's desire to spend more time with his family might have influenced his decision to retire.

In a recent episode of his SiriusXM podcast “Let’s Go! with Tom Brady, Larry Fitzgerald, and Jim Gray,” Brady appeared to talk about speculation regarding his retirement. He had said that he was in “no rush to figure out what’s next.”

“I’ll know when I know,” Brady said. “It’s a day after the season. So I think for all of us, you know, we can all decompress a bit. It’s been six straight months of football, every day consumed by day in and day out football.”

“I think now it’s just some time to spend some time with my family and spend some time with my kids,” he added.

Brady said that he has enjoyed getting to spend some time with his daughter, “little angel” Vivian Lake, 9. He said that he wants to “get some time with her” and that they “enjoyed waffles together” that morning. Brady lamented missing several milestones in his childrens’ lives due to his busy career, and he hinted that he was ready to spend more time at home.

Brady shares his daughter and son Benjamin Rein, 12, with his wife, model Gisele Bündchen, 41. He is also a father to his son John Edward Thomas Moynahan, 14, whom he shares with ex Bridget Moynahan.