Tom Brady's beautiful tribute to wife in retirement announcement

Tom Brady has confirmed his retirement from the NFL after 22 years, paying a beautiful tribute to his wife and children in the process.

Widely considered the greatest player in NFL history, Brady announced his retirement on Tuesday after a week of speculation.

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The 44-year-old spent 20 seasons with the New England Patriots, winning six Super Bowl titles, before relocating to Tampa Bay and leading the Bucs to a championship last season.

"I have always believed the sport of football is an 'all-in' proposition - if a 100% competitive commitment isn't there, you won't succeed, and success is what I love so much about our game," Brady wrote on Twitter on Tuesday.

"There is a physical, mental, and emotional challenge EVERY single day that has allowed me to maximise my highest potential. And I have tried my very best these past 22 years. There are no shortcuts to success on the field or in life.

"This is difficult for me to write, but here it goes: I am not going to make that competitive commitment anymore. I have loved my NFL career, and now it is time to focus my time and energy on other things that require my attention."

Brady said "the future is exciting" and pointed to personal and business ventures that have his interest, but his primary focus will become "my greatest achievement," which he said was his family.

In the heartfelt statement, Brady thanked his wife Gisele Bundchen and their three children - Jake, Benny and Vivan, calling them his "greatest achievement."

"To my wife Gisele, and my children Jake, Benny and Vivi. You are my inspiration. Our family is my greatest achievement," he said.

"I always came off the field and home to the most loving and supportive wife who has done EVERYTHING for our family to allow me to focus on my career.

"Her selflessness allowed me to reach new heights professionally, and I am beyond words what you mean to me and our family."

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Brady added: "My playing career has been such a thrilling ride, beyond my imagination, and full of ups and downs. When you're in it every day, you really don't think about any kind of ending.

"As I sit here now, however, I think of all the great players and coaches I was privileged to pay with and against.

"The competition was fierce and deep, just how we like it. But the friendships and relationships are just as fierce and just as deep.

"I will remember and cherish these memories and visit them often. I feel like the luckiest person in the world."

Brady's decision follows a dominant season during which he led the NFL in touchdown passes and passing yards.

He could win a fourth league Most Valuable Player trophy, which would make him the oldest player to win the award.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell described Brady as “one of the greatest to ever play in the NFL”.

“An incredible competitor and leader, his stellar career is remarkable for its longevity but also for the sustained excellence he displayed year after year,” Goodell said.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft said: “You didn’t have to be a Patriots fan to respect and appreciate his competitiveness, determination and will to win that fuelled his success.

“As a fan of football, it was a privilege to watch.”

Tributes to Brady have also been flooding social media.

with AAP

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