Okay, let me start by saying I am in no way qualified to write about Tom Brady’s football accomplishments. It’s just not my thing. That said, I think I can write about what he brought to Tampa Bay.
For one thing, he brought Rob Gronkowski. Gronk. That’s not what I’m referring to though.
Tom Brady brought us a winning attitude. Between the Buccaneers, the Lightning and the Rays… we really are “Champa Bay.” (For the record, I kinda hated that at first. Now, I embrace it.)
When the news first broke of Tom’s retirement on Saturday, I was at a Gasparilla party. If you don’t live in Tampa, Florida, you may not know what Gasparilla is. The best way to describe it is it’s our version of Mardi Gras.
As we walked through that sea of humanity to the next party, you could see it on their faces. All those fans wearing Tom Brady jerseys slumped over. Sad. Commiserating.
Then, there was this. Maybe Tom isn’t retiring after all. More to come.
It was only a tease. Tom Brady made it official on Tuesday. He’s retiring. His Instagram post was as classy as the man himself.
In it, Tom thanks everyone who has helped him succeed.
From Buccaneers management and teammates to his family and fans.
Let me just say this… thank you Tom. You brought a winning attitude to not just the Buccaneers, but to all of Tampa Bay.
Tom, you came here in the middle of Covid. You gave us a nice distraction from all the bad news out there. You gave us a Super Bowl winning team. I know, I know, you give everyone else the credit. We know better. You brought the attitude that got us there.
As I said at the beginning of this post, I’m in no way qualified to write about Tom Brady’s football accomplishments. What I am able to write about is a good man who loves his family and loves his life.
Thank you Tom for all you have done. We wish you well in whatever happens to you next.