Tom Brady has ended his legendary career after the dramatic play-off exit with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as “ESPN” reports. The signals were already piling up beforehand. The quarterback’s immediate entourage expected an announcement in the near future.

Munich/Tampa Bay – After the dramatic playoff exit of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the rumour mill about the future of star quarterback Tom Brady was in full swing, then on Saturday evening “ESPN” announced: Tom Brady is ending his career.

Previously, “CBS” reported that several sources close to “TB12” were still convinced that the future Hall of Famer was preparing for his retirement and would make an official statement shortly. They were to be proved right.

“He has a lot of respect for the game and for the Tampa organization and everything they’ve done for him,” said a source close to the quarterback but not named.

He added: “He understands the impact this decision would have on the team and he would never want to do anything that could jeopardise the playoffs. Whatever he decides, I expect him to announce it soon. “

If Brady departs: Bucs threaten more departures

There had been a growing sense within the Bucs organization, sources said, that the team will be looking for a new starting quarterback next season, which likely means other top players like tight end Rob Gronkowski will also be ending their careers.

In any case, it won’t be possible for the Bucs to keep all 22 starters for the 2022 season, as they managed to do last year after winning the Super Bowl.

And Brady’s retirement would entail further personnel decisions. For example, as in the case of veteran centre Ryan Jensen, whose willingness to play in a realignment of the team might be questionable.