Tom Brady is leaving the Patriots

Tom Brady is out.

After officially becoming a free agent and capitalizing on his uncertain future, the longtime New England Patriots quarterback announced Tuesday he wasn't headed back to Massachusetts. While he's thankful for "the happiest two decades I could have envisioned in my life," Brady seemed to make it clear in a statement that his "football journey will take place elsewhere" from now on.

Brady's statement seemed deliberately vague, and doesn't confirm whether he's leaving football entirely. But it does paint "Pats Nation" in a very retrospective light, and thanks them for "a lifetime full of fun memories."

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This is undoubtedly good news for the rest of the league, especially if it turns into a retirement announcement. Catch the Buffalo Bills winning the AFC East next season — if there is one.