Brady's company TB12sports tweeted to thank the 44-year-old for his career, honouring some of his most notable achievements and seemingly confirming his retirement after it was first reported by ESPN.

However, the tweet has since been deleted and Brady's agent, Don Yee, suggested fans would have to wait a little longer to hear from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback himself.

"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 told ESPN.

Brady's apparent retirement plans were also acknowledged by the official NFL Twitter account, and have been reported by news and sports media outlets around the world.

According to US media reports, Tampa Bay had asked Brady to stay on for one more season, but had turned down the opportunity to spend more time with his three children and wife Gisele Bundchen.

He signed for the Buccaneers in March 2020, winning his seventh Super Bowl there on home turf.

Brady, who has previously said he wants to still be playing at the age of 45, is considered the greatest quarterback in NFL history, having made his name during a history-making 20-year spell with the New England Patriots.

He was selected by the Patriots in the year 2000, in the sixth round of that season's draft in position 199.

Brady went on to seal his place in Gridiron history in his 22-year career, leading the NFL in most yards passed (84,250) and in most touchdown passes (624).

Brady has also bagged the most NFL career wins ever, with 243.

He is also the only person to have won more than five Super Bowls, and has also been the MVP in the championship game five times.