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via Reuters

via Reuters

Tom Brady’s 23-year-long career has been nothing short of tremendous. As a seven-time Super Bowl champion- the only individual to accomplish such a record- the QB has etched his name as perhaps the greatest to ever take the field. Despite all his successes, TB12’s exit from the game was not very glorious. Brady’s name is seldom associated with a losing record. But this year, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ended their regular season with a record that didn’t offer much hope.

While they managed to get through to the postseason, the Bucs couldn’t push their luck much any further against better-performing teams. His performance woes aside, the QB saw a major shift on the personal front. As recent reports emerge, these personal battles may have aided his decision to put his career to rest.

Tom Brady has good reasons to call it quits

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The NFL world witnessed the increased potency of TB12’s struggles on the field. Considering his age, one would not expect him to do what he did at his peak. But a drastic downward trajectory was alarming. And that’s when fans began attributing his failures on the field to what he was facing in his personal life. Going through a divorce is difficult. But navigating it with millions of eyes on you is harrowing. Early last year, rumors of Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen’s potential split paved the way for speculation.

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Their subsequent divorce in October propelled the connection between Brady’s performance slump and his personal life. Brady’s recent retirement announcement– his second one in two years- had those who were counting on one more appearance from the QB disappointed. But ESPN reporter Jeff Darlington’s use of a particular word is a reminder that despite TB12’s seemingly superhuman abilities, he’s in need of a break.

Darlington said, “Take the human element of this past year into consideration. During his most hyper-focused time of his life, which is in-season, he went through the stress of a divorce — a traumatizing divorce to him. So, now he stepped back. He decided, ‘You know what, I need to recharge. I need to rebuild my life and get myself reenergized,’ and not for the football field, but just in general.”

While some fans believe that the QB may change his mind yet again, Darlington emphasized that Brady is ready to move on to the next chapter.

Fans may see Brady again, but perhaps not on the field

Last year, Brady’s retirement announcement entailed that he would focus on his family. While his recent parting message was not as extensive, the QB is at a point where his personal life requires more attention. As a co-parent, TB12’s focus will shift to giving the role his entire focus.

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But the football world may not see the last of the former QB yet. Brady has indicated that he’s interested in pursuing a second career in the broadcasting world. Given his longevity in the NFL, Brady’s takes on the game will undoubtedly be interesting. At present, TB12 has not offered further comments following his decision to retire. But the next episode of his podcast ‘Let’s Go!’ will hopefully give fans insight into his thought process behind the decision he’s taken.

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