Brady retires: Mahomes leads tributes to seven-time Super Bowl winner

Patrick Mahomes, Ryan Jensen and Conor McGregor are among those paying tribute to Tom Brady after the NFL veteran announced his retirement.

One year to the date after he first announced he was hanging up his cleats, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback has confirmed he is quitting "for good" after previously walking back his decision.

Across a career stretching 23 years, two teams, seven Super Bowls and five MVP awards, the 45-year-old has earned a reputation as one of the sport's all-time greats.

His announcement has sparked an outpouring of affection and respect from his peers, with fellow quarterback Mahomes leading the tributes.

The Kansas City Chiefs man posted three goat emojis to Twitter, in reference to the acronym GOAT, which stands for greatest of all time.

Brady's Tampa Bay team-mate Jensen, who won Super Bowl LV alongside him, penned a heartfelt message after he helped him through injury last season.

"Thanks for pushing me every day this season, mentally and physically, to get back on the field," he wrote.

"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!"

Praise for Brady was not limited to American football, with MMA veteran McGregor praising the player's Irish roots.

Former New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter also offered his congratulations on "an unbelievable career", adding: "It was fun to watch!"

Brady spent the majority of his career with the New England Patriots, taking the team to six Super Bowl successes between 2000 and 2019.

He moved to the Buccaneers for the 2020 season, and inspired them to a surprise championship in his first campaign in Florida.

At the end of his career, Brady ranks first for a host of statistical categories including most passing yards (89,214), regular season touchdowns (649) and playoff touchdowns (88).