New England Patriots: Thanks for the memories, Tom Brady

Tom Brady: the ultimate stalwart, the ultimate team player, the ultimate professional, the ultimate competitor, announced Tuesday morning via social media that he will not be returning to the New England Patriots next season.

At 8:44 AM EST, Tom Brady posted a statement regarding his intentions for his free agency. He first thanked New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, coach Bill Belichick, his teammates, and the entire organization.

Siting his accomplishments, the standard that they were able to set during his time in New England, the memories that were created during the 20-year union between him and the Patriot faithful. In between all that, however, he stated “Although my football journey will take place elsewhere…”, which was the indication of his departure.

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Robert Kraft spoke to ESPN in regards to Tom Brady moving on:

"“Tommy initiated contact last night & came over. We had a positive, respectful discussion. It’s not the way I want it to end, but I want him to do what is in his best personal interest. After 20 years with us, he has earned that right. I love him like a son.”"

We all knew that this was a possibility and in recent weeks, an inevitability. However, that does not take away the sting of losing the only thing Patriots fans have known for the last 20 years at the quarterback position.

A lot of people woke up to this groundbreaking news. Needless to say, coupled with the Dolphins and Bills getting much better just within the first day of free agency, this is absolutely devastating.

The thought of Tom Brady wearing another uniform is an image that no one can seem to fathom. But it is indeed happening.

Nonetheless, we will always have memories of what Tom Brady has accomplished in New England. Speaking for Patriots fans everywhere: We will always remember the countless moments of grit, toughness, and perseverance. The comebacks, the legendary performances, the 6 times he has raised that Lombardi Trophy, and many more.

We can never thank him enough for all that he has done. We can never thank him enough for what he had sacrificed: body, blood, sweat, tears, and much more. He has earned the right to make his own path. We will love him and wish him well no matter what he decides to pursue.

A shortlist of his accomplishments include 6-time champion, 4-time SB MVP, 3-time NFL AP MVP, 1st all-time in wins (.774 winning percentage), 2nd all-time in passing yards & touchdown passes (#1 when you include postseason play), 1st all-time in Super Bowl passing yards & touchdown passes, 14-time Pro Bowler, 39 regular-season 4th quarter comebacks, 9 in the postseason, 45 regular-season game-winning drives, and 13 in the postseason.

He is without a doubt the greatest of all time.

We should be forever grateful that we were able to witness his greatness on and off the field, as a model teammate, player, competitor, husband, father, and everything in between. We shouldn’t be sad that the Brady era ended, but happy we were able to see it. He was #12 on the field, but will always be #1 in our hearts.

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Thanks for the memories, Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr.

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