Tom Brady Retiring after 22 seasons

Is Tom Brady retiring from football after 22 seasons in which he won a historic seven Super Bowl titles, sources told ESPN.

When Tom Brady, considered the greatest quarterback in NFL history

walked off the field after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost to the Los Angeles Rams, he knew it was likely to be his last job as a footballer, sources said. In the days that followed, he spent time digesting that mindset and preparing for retirement with the next chapter in his life and career, the sources said.

Sources said Tom Brady's decision to retire was based on a number of factors, including family and health. Though less significant, Brady also acknowledged that the Buccaneers are likely to see a significant roster change, sources said.

Brady, 44, has insisted for weeks that he never wanted a "farewell season," and many who know him believe he wants to make a decision without too much drama. He will focus on new projects and believes now is the right time to end his playing career, the sources said.

It is unknown when Brady will formalize his plans to retire, but that move will be made with consideration to not upstage the NFL's postseason games, including the Super Bowl. Brady's company, TB12 Sports, sent a tweet that appeared to confirm his decision but later deleted the post.

Don Yee, Brady's agent, deferred any comment on the quarterback's future to Brady himself.

"I understand the advance speculation about Tom's future," Yee said in a statement. "Without getting into the accuracy or inaccuracy of what's being reported, Tom will be the only person to express his plans with complete accuracy. He knows the realities of the football business and planning calendar as well as anybody, so that should be soon."

Buccaneers executives and coaches have been bracing for Brady's retirement in recent weeks, recognizing that it was more likely than not that he would hang it up after the season, team sources told ESPN. One source said as recently as this week that "all signs point" to Brady's retiring.

The Buccaneers hoped to make an emphatic pitch to persuade Brady to play one more year, but Tampa Bay recognizes that that effort is not expected to have an impact and the team is resigned to the challenges that now lie ahead.

Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians told ESPN's Jenna Laine that Brady had not notified him or the team of his plans to retire. Tom Brady Sr. also told ESPN in a text that "Tommy has made no such determination" regarding his playing future.