Tom Brady.Photo: Taylor Hill/WireImage

tom brady

Tom Bradyis focusing on the present amid ongoing retirement rumors.

The NFL quarterback, 44,refused to discuss his futurewhile reflecting on the 2021 season following a playoff loss to Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.

The seven-time Super Bowl champion thanked hisTampa Bay Buccaneers teammatesand fans in anInstagram postalongside a series of images from the season.

“I understand that at this stage in my career, there is going to be interest in my future whenever a season ends,” he wrote. “But this week, all that is on my mind is the gratitude I have for this team and the fans that have supported us all year long.”

“This year has been incredibly rewarding personally and professionally and I am appreciative of everyone who worked their ass off to help our team achieve so much,” he added.

Brady also addressed the Buccaneers' loss in the NFC divisional round.

Tom Brady.Mike Ehrmann/Getty

Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks to pass during the third quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Raymond James Stadium on October 10, 2021 in Tampa, Florida.

He concluded, “To everyone that was a part of it this year, thank you. I love you all!”

In a post-game press conference on Sunday, Brady also refused to address the possibility of retirement.

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“Truthfully guys, I’m thinking about this game,” he added of the 30-27 loss. “I’m not thinking about anything past five minutes from now.”

On Monday’s episode of his SiriusXM podcastLet’s Go!, the athlete said he’s in “no rush to figure out what’s next” and plans tospend time with his familythis off-season.

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Speculation has grown over the last several weeks that the star athlete — who has one year left in his contract with the Buccaneers — is nearing the end of his career. Brady was drafted in 2000 and spent 20 seasons with the New England Patriots before making his Buccaneers debut in 2020.

source: people.com