By: Dan Hogan

Quarterback Tom Brady announced on social media Tuesday morning that he would not be returning to the New England Patriots for the upcoming NFL season. 

Brady did not specify what team he will be signing with in the future. He enters the open market on Wednesday but can reach an agreement with a team on Tuesday, per ESPN.

After Brady’s announcement on Twitter, the Patriots CEO Robert Kraft and head coach Bill Belichick released statements about the departure. 

Brady was drafted in the sixth round by the Patriots in the 2000 NFL draft and has played with them every season of his 20 year career. The 42 year old quarterback is a six time Super Bowl champion, four time Super Bowl MVP, and three time NFL MVP. He also has the second most all-time passing yards (74,571), second most all-time passing touchdowns (541), and most regular season wins (219) according to Bleacher Report.

It is a surprise to many in the football world that the Brady-Belichick era in New England has ended. Seeing Brady in a non-Patriots uniform for at least the next season will be very strange.