The all-time great player of the of the Tampa Buccaneers officially announced his retirement due to his wife.

The all-time great player of the Tampa Buccaneers officially announced his retirement due to his wife.

has declared his NFL retirement in writing. The news was revealed in a lengthy statement that the seven-time Super Bowl champion, who spent 20 seasons as a player for the New England Patriots and two with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, posted on Instagram on Tuesday.

It is with great difficulty that I must announce my decision to no longer pursue that competitive commitment. The 44-year-old wrote, “I have enjoyed my NFL career, but it is time to devote my time and energy to other things that need my attention.

“Over the past week, I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting and challenging myself with questions. And I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished. Tom went on, “My teammates, coaches, fellow athletes, and fans deserve everything from me, but for the time being, it’s best that I step away from the playing field and leave it to the upcoming group of committed and dedicated athletes.

The five-time Super Bowl MVP thanked Gisele Bündchen in his statement for her assistance. “I always returned home from the field to the most devoted and encouraging wife who has done everything for our family to let me concentrate on my work,” Tom exclaimed. Her selflessness helped me advance professionally, and I can’t express how much you mean to me.

The father of three, who has son Jack with his former Bridget Moynahan, son Benjamin and daughter Vivian with Gisele, and son Jack with Gisele, called his family his “greatest achievement.”

Athletes and celebrities who responded to Tom’s post included Michael Phelps, Shaquille O’Neal, Alex Rodriguez, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

A-Rod remarked, “GOAT [heart and fire emojis],” and The Rock wrote, “Congrats, my brother.” What a remarkable career! Go ahead and relish the upcoming chapter with the same fervor, zest, and mana. [emoji of a goat].

“No, man, get your butt up and do one more year,” Shaq joked. But he also said, “It’s a joy to watch, love you, bro.”

Michael Phelps, a former Olympic swimmer, wrote, “Congrats, bro! I appreciate the upcoming chapter I’ve always felt that playing football is an “all-in” proposition; without a complete dedication to the game, one cannot succeed, and it’s this success that I find so fascinating about our sport.

Every day presents a challenge on the physical, mental, and emotional levels that have enabled me to reach my full potential. And over the past 22 years, I have given it my all. Success in life, as well as on the field, cannot be achieved quickly.

It’s hard for me to say this, but I’m going to stop making that commitment to competition. I had a great NFL career, but it’s time to put my attention and resources toward other things that need it.

I’ve completed numerous  I’ve been thinking back on the last week and have been challenging myself. And I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished. It’s best for me to step away from the playing field for the time being so that the next generation of committed and dedicated athletes can fulfill the roles that my teammates, coaches, fellow competitors, and fans deserve.

I love you all, my Bucs teammates of the past two years, and I have enjoyed going to battle with you. I was motivated to wake up every day and give it my all because of how deeply you have pushed yourself. I want to see you guys keep pushing yourself to be the best versions of yourselves because I am always here for you. I am ecstatic about everything we managed to achieve together.