After the Dallas Cowboys triumphed over Tampa Bay in the playoffs, Tom Brady gave a short but heartfelt speech to the gathered press. While his words sounded a lot like a goodbye, many in the NFL world assumed that the QB was bidding farewell to the franchise and nothing more.

For a second season in a row, Brady took home a playoff loss. And for a second season in a row, he announced his retirement, this time around, “for good”.

Tom Brady caught the NFL world by surprise

Fans were unprepared for what Tom Brady had to say. While many guessed that the QB would come to a decision, it was a matter of when and how. Taking to social media to post a casual video, Brady expressed that he would be retiring. After a season where the NFL world witnessed Brady being the recipient of the kind of losses he administered in the past, a potential retirement was not off the table. But the QB is far from washed; only slightly diminished.

“This Will Age Like Fine Milk”: Unretirement Jokes Flood Tom Brady’s Latest Announcement That Leaves Entire NFL World Heartbroken

After finishing the regular season with a losing record, it’s not hard to picture the Bucs’ state. But despite the battles TB12 has been waging on and off the field, the widespread assumption of the QB sticking around for another season was a reliable narrative. But Brady bid farewell to the league- without too much pomp and show. Tributes from his peers, legends of the game and ardent fans poured in as soon as the news came to light. Brady’s close friend and teammate at both New England and Tampa Bay, Rob Gronkowski took to Instagram to share a heartwarming message.

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His caption read, “Tommy, since I already wrote you a long retirement message last year, this time I shall say, welcome to the 2x retired club. You’re a legend and you always will be, my friend ♥️🏉”. Gronk came out of retirement to aid Brady and the Bucs- eventually winning a Super Bowl title. While a widespread narrative speculated that the TE may come back once again for one last dance with TB12, it seems like the opposite has occurred.

Brady is moved by Gronk’s message

Gronkowski’s post garnered attention as fans and other NFL stars took to the comments. The man of the hour, TB12, let Gronk know his appreciation by saying, “Love u Gronkie!”

Another user tearfully exclaimed, “😭 best duo EVER”

Chiefs WR JuJu Smith-Schuster commented, “🐐🐐”

Another fan proclaimed, “An end to a great era in football history. Thank you both!”

This user solemnly stated, “My childhood is officialy over”

Another user commented, “2X retired LOL so perfect! Club of 2 🐐🐐”

The unexpected announcement caught the NFL world by surprise. While many fans believe that Brady may orchestrate a comeback like he did last year, others acknowledged that this was the last time they witnessed the seven-time Super Bowl champion take the field.

Watch this story: Tom Brady Went to The Same High School As This Controversial MLB Hall of Famer Who Was Also A 14x All-Star