"Excited, humble and hungry... if there is one thing I have learned about football, it's that nobody cares what you did last year or the year before that."
Saturday 21 March 2020 15:34, UK
The waiting is finally over. Tom Brady is officially a Tampa Bay Buccaneer.
Brady took to Instagram on Friday to confirm he is signing with the Bucs having sent shockwaves across the NFL earlier this week by revealing he was moving on from the New England Patriots after 20 years.
He wrote: "Excited, humble and hungry... if there is one thing I have learned about football, it's that nobody cares what you did last year or the year before that...you earn the trust and respect of those around through your commitment every single day.
"I'm starting a new football journey and thankful for the Buccaneers for giving me an opportunity to do what I love to do. I look forward to meeting all my new teammates and coaches and proving to them that they can believe and trust in me.
"I have always believed that well done is better than well said, so I'm gonna not gonna say much more - I'm just gonna get to work!"
It is a two-year deal for Brady, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
The six-time Super Bowl winner became a free agent for the first time in his career this week as he prepares for season 21 in the NFL.
He takes over from Jameis Winston as starting quarterback in Tampa, with the former Heisman Trophy winner an unrestricted free agent after leading the league in passing yards and interceptions in 2019.
In a statement on the Bucs website, head coach Bruce Arians said: "Tom is the most successful quarterback in the history of our league, but what makes him so special is his ability to make those around him better.
"I have had the privilege to work with some of the best passers in our game, and the characteristics they all possessed were the ability to lead and get the best out of their teammates. Tom is no different.
"He is a proven winner who will provide the leadership, accountability and work ethic necessary to lead us to our goal of winning another championship."
Brady announced his departure in New England on Tuesday in a statement detailing that his football journey would now 'take place elsewhere'.
"To all my team-mates, coaches, executives and staff, Coach Belichick, RKK and the Kraft family and the entire organisation... I couldn't be the man I am today without the relationships you have allowed me to build with you," he wrote.
"Our team has always set a great standard in pro sports and I know it will continue to do just that. Although my football journey will take place elsewhere, I appreciate everything that we have achieved and am grateful for our incredible TEAM accomplishments.
"MA (Massachusetts) has been my home for 20 years. It has truly been the happiest two decades I could have envisioned in my life and I have nothing but love and gratitude for my time in New England.
"The support has been overwhelming - I wish every player could experience it. I can't thank you enough for the support of our team. The packed training camps and sold-out stadiums are mostly the victory parades. I have been so blessed to share them with you all."
Brady, the 199th overall pick at the 2000 NFL Draft, led the Patriots to six Super Bowl titles, 13 AFC East division crowns and 17 playoff appearances across two decades.
Last year saw him throw for 4,057 yards and 24 touchdowns before the Patriots suffered their earliest playoff exit in 10 years against the Tennessee Titans during wildcard weekend.
