This Time It’s Real: Tom Brady Announces His Retirement

Tom Brady made his retirement official on his Instagram account Tuesday morning.

The announcement came after a premature announcement about Brady's future, as well as his comment during Jim Gray's "Let's Go" podcast that he was "still going through the process I said I was going through."

The quarterback, called by some as the greatest in NFL history, said in his lengthy statement that he cannot make the "100% competitive commitment" to the game he has always believed in during his 22-season career.

"This is difficult for me to write, but here it goes: I am not going to make that competitive commitment anymore. I have loved my NFL career, and now it is time to focus my time and energy on other things that require my attention," Brady wrote.

"I've done a lot of reflecting the past week and have asked myself difficult questions. And I am proud of what we have achieved. My teammates, coaches, fellow competitors, and fans deserve 100% of me, but right now, it's best I leave the field of play to the next generation of dedicated and committed athletes."

Brady thanked his Tampa Bay teammates and their fans, ownership, and the entire organization for the past two years.

"I have been honored to play for such a passionate and fun fan base. What a Krewe," Brady wrote.

He did not make any mention of the Patriots in his initial statement, but later added one to his Instagram stories with a message from Patriots owner Robert Kraft.

“Thank you Patriots and Patriots Nation. Beyond grateful and love you all,” he wrote.

He also called his wife Gisele Bündchen and children Jack, Benny, and Vivi his "inspiration" and his "greatest achievement."

"I always came off the field and home to the most loving and supportive wife who has done EVERYTHING for our family to allow me to focus on my career. Her selflessness allowed me to reach new heights professionally and I beyond words what you mean to me our family."

Brady said his future plans are a work in progress, and noted the companies he has co-founded.

"I am doing to take it day by day. I know for sure I want to spend a lot of time giving to others and trying to enrich other people's lives just as so many have done for me," Brady wrote.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNH