David Beckham, Patrick Mahomes and Serena Williams paid tribute to possibly the greatest football player of all time in Tom Brady after the legendary 45-year-old quarterback announced his retirement for a second time, just a year to the day after his first in 2022.
Mahomes, who led the Kansas City Chiefs past the Cincinnati Bengals over the weekend to play in Super Bowl LIVII, reacted to Brady's Instagram post announcing that he's finally retiring for good by sharing an emoji of a goat, meaning that to him, the seven-time Super Bowl winner is the 'Greatest of All Time.'
Ex-England captain David Beckham was also quick to show his appreciation for Brady, commenting: 'We love you man @tombrady,' along a heart emoji. The pair know each other well from their stints of living in Florida. Brady was recently the starting quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while Beckham is the co-owner of MLS outfit Inter Miami CF.
Tennis legend, Serena Williams, who retired in September after an illustrious, 27-year career in which she won 73 individual titles, joked in her reaction to Brady's decision: 'I'm getting teary eyed watching this. Sad to see you go. Welcome to the retirement world...Again.'
Australian actor annd Tony Award winner Hugh Jackman commented: 'A sensational career. To say the least! Onward. Love HJ.'
Derek Jeter, a five-time World Series champion with the New York Yankees, reacted with a simple comment that most NFL fans would agree with: 'Congrats @TomBrady on an unbelievable career. It was fun to watch!'
Oylmpic legend and former competitive swimmer Michael Phelps, who won 23 gold medals representing the U.S. in Athens, Beijing, London and Rio, also shared an emoji of a goat, in similar fashion to Mahomes, to congratulate Brady on all of his accomplishments. So did former Yankees slugger, Alex Rodriguez.
Actress Gwyneth Paltrow made sure to let Brady know she is among fans who adore the 45-year-old, commenting: And WE LOVE YOU.'
Model Kate Hudson, meanwhile, shared a lengthy comment, writing: 'I know I can say this for my whole fam, it's been a nhonor to watch such a phenomenal career. You brought us all much joy for so many years. Welcome to the next chapter, may it bring as many blessings as the last two decades,' along with a goat emoji.
J.J. Watt, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, who also recently announced his decision to hang up his cleats after 11 NFL seasons, shared : 'Greatest of All Time. No question, no debate.'
'It's been an honor and a privilege,' the ex-Arizona Cardinals and Houston Texans defensive end added, before poking a bit fun at Brady: 'The new retired gorup meets on the golf course every morning at 10 am. Drinks are on the new guy, so bring your wallet.'
Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson - a one-time Super Bowl (XLVIII) with the Seattle Seahawks - wrote: 'Congrats Tom,' while also sharing an emoji of a crown, indicating the 45-year-old is American football royalty. 'Salute to the Greatest.'
The New England Patriots - the team that Brady won six Super Bowl rings with (2019, 2015, 2017, 2005, 2004 and 2002) - thanked its former No. 12 for his contribution to the franchise's dynasty from 2001 to 2019 on Twitter.
'Quite the ride indeed,' the NFL team's social media account shared along with a resurfaced tweet of Brady setting off into the sunset on double-decker, Super Bowl parade bus in a Pats' uniform. 'Thank you again.'
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers went to great lengths to thank its starting quarterback for the last two years, sharing statements, highlights and a banner with Brady's jersey number - the same as the one he wore in New England - on Twitter.
The caption to one of the NFL team's many tributes to Brady read: 'You'll always be Tampa Tommy to us! #GoBucs.'
Salt Bae, the infamous steak-grilling chef, who's faced criticism over his restaurant chain's quality of food and service, and for handling the World Cup trophy in Qatar, tweeted: 'King we love you more.'
Free agent wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who was locked in talks with the Dallas Cowboys before Jerry Jones decide not to offer him a deal, shared under Brady's Instagram post: 'Man. Thank u for everything brother.'
Rapper Diddy showed his appreciation for the 45-year-old quarterback by sharing a comment only containing a folded hands emoji, synonomous of 'thank you' in the world of social media.
Von Miller, a linebacker for the Bills who never managed to play with Brady despite being a two-time Super Bowl champion, himself, also commented: 'Thank you!'
Teammate and Bills quarterback Josh Allen echoed the same comment under Brady's retirement post on Instagram.
Now-former-teammate Logan Ryan, a safety for the Tampa Bay Buccaners, tweeted a picture of himself and the five-time Super Bowl MVP embracing each other, along with the caption: 'I got to witness greatness daily for years and I'm thankful for that @TomBrady.'
'Thanks for pushing me everyday this season mentally and physically to get back on the field,' shared Ryan Jensen, a center for the Bucs, who experienced a severe knee injury during most of the 2022-23 regular season and was only activated in Tampa Bay's Wild Card loss against the Dallas Cowboys.
'I'm glad I was able to take the field with you one last time! Enjoy retirement, don't dog me too much in the booth. Love ya man!'