Tom Brady says goodbye to the Patriots: 'My football journey will take place elsewhere'

Joe Rivera

•
Tom Brady says goodbye to the Patriots: 'My football journey will take place elsewhere' image

It is, apparently, the end of an era.

Much ado has been made whether or not Tom Brady would remain a member of the Patriots for the 2020 season. After many reports signaling the potential end of the Brady-Belichick-Patriots era in New England, on Tuesday, it appears that Brady confirmed those rumors with a heartfelt goodbye post on Twitter.

MORE: Tom Brady joins these 10 other Hall of Fame QBs who changed teams

To all my teammates, coaches, executives and staff, Coach Belichick, RKK and the Kraft family and the entire organization. I want to say thank you for the past twenty years of my life and the daily commitment to winning and creating a winning culture built on great values. I am grateful for all that you have taught me - I have learned from everyone. You all have allowed me to maximize my potential and that is all a player can ever hope for. Everything we have accomplished brings me great joy and the lessons I have learned will carry on with me forever. I couldn't be the man I am today without the relationships you have allowed me to build with you. I have benefited from all you have given me. I cherished every opportunity I had to be a part of our team, and I love you all for that. Our team has always set a great standard in pro sports and I know it will continue to do just that. Although my football journey will take place elsewhere, I appreciate everything that we have achieved and am grateful for our incredible TEAM accomplishments. I have been privileged to have had the opportunity to know each and everyone of you, and to have the memories we've created together.

On Tuesday, Brady's contract with the Patriots officially expired, meaning he's free to sign with any team seeking QB help come Wednesday, the official open of NFL free agency. Until then, teams can contact Brady and his agent, but no official contract can be signed until midweek.

Of course, Brady seemingly moving on from Foxborough means all comers are excited for the change:

There are no shortage of suitors, with the Buccaneers apparently leading the charge. Now the world waits to see where Brady goes next.

Joe Rivera

Joe Rivera Photo

Joe Rivera is in his seventh year with The Sporting News, handling NFL, MLB and some things pro wrestling. A proud-ish Rutgers University graduate, Rivera combines a new-school flair with an old-school soul. He loves dingers, wrestling, comic books, movies, music and really bad puns. He is also a card-carrying BBWAA member and teaches Multimedia Sports Reporting at his alma mater.

You can find him and tweet him @JoeRiveraSN, if you're into that sort of thing.