It’s officially, official. Tom Brady has retired from the NFL after 22 seasons. The impact he has had on the game of football is undeniable. Teammates and players all over the league have begun pouring in with congratulations on his retirement. Expectedly so have key members of the Bucs organization who were partly responsible in the GOAT’s decision to play in Tampa Bay.

It started with the Glazer family taking a risk on a 42-year-old quarterback who showed no signs of slowing down. Moving on from a young quarterback, whom they’d spent the first overall pick on just five years prior, for an undetermined timeline with the greatest quarterback of all time ultimately paid off huge.

“Tom arrived in Tampa Bay with an unprecedented level of expectations and delivered some of the most memorable moments in our franchise history,” said the Glazer Family. “His impact on our team and community was immediate and profound. Tom’s remarkable NFL journey has come to an end, but we will continue to celebrate his legendary career as the greatest quarterback of all time and are appreciative and grateful for the time he spent as a Buccaneer. Saying goodbye to a legend is never easy, but we wish him continued success in retirement.”

Bucs general manager Jason Licht, who Brady thanked for his leadership and confidence in making the choice to choose Tampa Bay as a free agent, had trouble finding the words to describe what Brady meant to the franchise.

“It is hard to put into words what Tom has meant to me and the entire Buccaneers organization. I have had the distinct pleasure of being with Tom at both the beginning and end of his incredible NFL career,” said general manager Jason Licht. “These past two seasons, I had the privilege to see up close the way he operates and the impact he has on a franchise – from coaches to players to staff.

He set a standard for accountability, work ethic and performance that resonated through our building and in our locker room.  His list of career accomplishments speaks for itself, but to finish a 22-year career while still performing at his peak, was nothing short of extraordinary. I wish we had more time with Tom, but I understand and respect his decision to leave the game in order to spend more time with his family. I am grateful for the moments we shared.”

Part of the reason Brady chose the Bucs was because of the talent and coaching staff in place. Including their highly regarded head coach, Bruce Arians. The culture Arians was trying to create in Tampa Bay was boosted tenfold by Brady’s arrival. He helped turn the losingest franchise in American sports into Super Bowl champs in less than a year. Quickly showing Arians and the team why he’s considered the greatest of all time.

“Tom joined us as the greatest football player of all time, and he quickly showed everyone in our organization what that meant,” said head coach Bruce Arians. “He set a standard and helped create a culture that took our team to the mountaintop. It has been an honor to be his head coach for the past two seasons. I wish it didn’t have to end, but few players have the opportunity to leave the game on their own terms. Even fewer can do it while playing at an elite level. Tom is the exception. I have a deep appreciation and respect for what he has done for our franchise, and I wish him and his family nothing but the best in this next chapter of life after football.”