Brady calls time on 22-year journey

Tom Brady, the most successful quarterback in the history of the NFL has hung up the boots.

Brady played in seven winning Super Bowls including leading Tampa Bay to the title last season.

The 44-year-old has decided now is the right time to retire to spend more time with his wife and three kids.

"This is difficult for me to write, but here it goes: I am not going to make that competitive commitment anymore," Brady wrote in a lengthy post on Instagram.

"I have loved my NFL career, and now it is time to focus my time and energy on other things that require my attention."

Tom Brady's accomplishments:

22 NFL seasons (20 for Patriots and 2 for the Buccaneers)

Five time Super bowl MVP winner (the most of any player)

Most touchdown passes in NFL history (624)

Most passing yards in NFL history (84,520)

243 regular-season wins, most in NFL history

Most playoff wins in NFL history (35), 19 more than any other QB (Joe Montana, 16)

Most Super Bowl appearances (10) and wins (7)

All-time playoff leader in touchdown passes (86), passing yards (13,049) and completions (1,165)

15 Pro Bowl selections, most in NFL history

3-time NFL MVP (2007, 2010, 2017)

2009 Comeback Player of the Year

Named to NFL 100 All-Time Team (1 of 10 quarterbacks)

IMAGE: FILE