Quarterback Tom Brady has announced he is leaving the New England Patriots after 20 years with the team, which has seen him win six Super Bowls.
In a series of statements on social media on Tuesday, Brady confirmed he is leaving the team after 20 seasons and a record six Super Bowl titles.
“Although my football journey will take place elsewhere, I appreciate everything that we have achieved and am grateful for our incredible TEAM accomplishments,” he wrote. “I have been privileged to have had the opportunity to know each and every one of you, and to have the memories we’ve created together.”
Brady said that he tried to represents the Patriots “in the best and most honorable way” over the past two decades while fighting “hard with my teammates to help bring victory and triumph even in the most dire situations.”
He ended his statement, “You opened your heart to me, and I opened my heart to you. And Pats Nation will always be a part of me. I don’t know what my football future holds but it is time for me to open a new stage for my life and career. I thank you from the bottom of my heart and I will always love you and what we have shared – a lifetime full of fun memories.”
Brady is a free agent this off-season and was able to speak to rival teams from Monday with the full free agency window opening on Wednesday. Brady did not reveal his next destination but possibilities include the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Las Vegas Raiders or a return to his native California with the Los Angeles Chargers.
During his time with the Patriots, Brady won six Super Bowls, four Super Bowl MVP Awards and three NFL MVP Awards. He is one of four quarterbacks in history to throw for more than 70,000 yards.