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).
Bobby Wagner clinches Seattle Seahawks return
Bobby Wagner has returned to the Seattle Seahawks one year after he was cut from the team.
The eight-time Pro Bowl linebacker spent last season with the Los Angeles Rams but has now returned to the Pacific Northwest after mutually agreeing to end his five-year contract with the Rams earlier this year.
Wagner was one of the top defensive players available in free agency, with murmurs of a return to the Seahawks being ever present since the period began.
Quandre Diggs, who had campaigned on social media for a reunion, broke the news of Wagner's return before it was later confirmed by the franchise.
"According to my sources future hall of famer LB Bobby Wagner has agreed to terms to return home to the Seattle Seahawks," he posted on Twitter.
"Seahawks fill a huge need in the middle of their defense. 12's rejoice!"
A Super Bowl winner with the Seahawks in his second year in the NFL, Wagner amassed nearly 1400 tackles and 23.5 sacks over 10 seasons.
His return continues a strong free agency period for the Seahawks, who had already bolstered their defense with the additions of defensive ends Dre-Mont Jones and Jarran Reed, LB Devin Bush and safety Julian Love.
Lane Johnson to 'retire an Eagle' after signing one-year extension with Philadelphia
Lane Johnson's goal is to retire as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, and he now looks destined to achieve that aim by signing a one-year extension.
The All-Pro right tackle inked an extension worth $33.445million, and includes $30m guaranteed.
It will keep the 32-year-old under contract through the 2026 season.
"My whole goal is to retire an Eagle," Johnson said on Friday.
"That's what I'm going to do. I'm just excited to be here, be as fortunate as I am to be with one team for as long as I have.
"I love this game and, more importantly, I love the people and the coaches that I'm with every day and that's why I love the game so much."
Johnson is a two-time first-team All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler who has started 127 games in a stellar career.
Having won Super Bowl LI with the Eagles in 2017, the 2013 fourth overall pick helped Philadelphia to Super Bowl LVII last season, where they lost 38-35 to the Kansas City Chiefs.
In 2022, his aggregate win rate across pass protection and run blocking of 78.26 per cent was ninth among all tackles, according to Stats Perform data.
Tom Brady invests in Las Vegas Aces
Tom Brady hopes investing in the Las Vegas Aces will help the WNBA "continue to do to grow" and "empower future generations of athletes."
Seven-time Super Bowl champion Brady has acquired an ownership interest in the world champion Aces.
The legendary former quarterback, who retired in February, jumped at the chance to be part of the organisation.
He said: "I am very excited to be part of the Las Vegas Aces organisation. My love for women's sports began at a young age when I would tag along to all my older sisters' games.
"They were by far the best athletes in our house! We celebrated their accomplishments together as a family, and they remain a great inspiration to me.
"I have always been a huge fan of women's sports, and I admire the work that the Aces' players, staff, and the WNBA continue to do to grow the sport and empower future generations of athletes.
"To be able to contribute in any way to that mission as a member of the Aces organisation is an incredible honour."
Aces owner Mark Davis said: "Since I purchased the Aces, our goal has been to win on and off the court. Tom Brady is a win not only for the Aces, and the WNBA, but for women's professional sports as a whole."
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