March 17, 2020, 7:01 AM CST / Updated March 17, 2020, 9:19 AM CSTBy Elisha Fieldstadt
Tom Brady on Tuesday morning announced he was leaving the New England Patriots, a team he has played with for two decades and helped usher to six Super Bowl victories.
In a pair of statements posted on Twitter and Instagram, Brady first thanked his team and his coaches in a tweet labeled «FOREVER A PATRIOT.»
«To all my teammates, coaches, executives and staff, Coach Belichick, RKK and the Kraft family and the entire organization … I couldn’t be the man I am today without the relationships you have allowed me to build with you,» Brady, 42, wrote.
«Our team has always set a great standard in pro sports and I know it will continue to do just that,» he added. «Although my football journey will take place elsewhere, I appreciate everything that we have achieved and am grateful for our incredible TEAM accomplishments.»
In Brady’s second statement, titled «LOVE YOU PATS NATION,» he addressed his fans.
«MA has been my home for twenty years. It has truly been the happiest two decades I could have envisioned in my life and I have nothing but love and gratitude for my time in New England.,» Brady wrote.
«The support has been overwhelming – I wish every player could experience it,» Brady said. «I can’t thank you enough for the support of our team. The packed training camps and sold out stadiums are mostly the victory parades. I have been so blessed to share them with you all.»
It’s unclear where Brady will go. «I don’t know what my football future holds but it is time for me to open up a new stage for my life and career,» he said.
Teams were able to start legally contacting the agents of free agents on Monday at noon ET, but NFL free agency does not begin until Wednesday at 4 p.m.
