You don’t always need a podium and a box of tissues to announce the end of an NFL career.
A cell phone and a lighthearted sense of humor works, too.
Just ask Drew Brees, who enlisted his kids for a 13-second video signaling the end of his storied run. It was quick, funny, and not super serious. After lasting about 17 seasons longer in this league than the average pro, why not have a little fun at the end?
Brees' video will go down as one of the greats, just like these 10 all-time retirement announcements did:
10. Seahawks and Raiders legend Marshawn Lynch really hung 'em up
— Shawn Lynch (@MoneyLynch) February 8, 2016
9. Former Chiefs FB Anthony Sherman flew off into a bold new future
Thank you Chiefs Kingdom #deputysheriff #HSI #retirement #Chiefs #NFL pic.twitter.com/pjyN8xO1tP
— Anthony Sherman (@Shermanator_42) March 4, 2021
8. Former Ravens, Lions, and Eagles DL Haloti Ngata made news at 16,893 ft
ICYMI: Former Duck football player and NFL superstar Haloti Ngata wanted to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to help raise money for African villages in need and announce his retirement. It took everything he had to reach the summit: https://t.co/F4RiNtZyw9 pic.twitter.com/e0Xv1V3gwH
— University of Oregon (@uoregon) June 28, 2019
7. Legendary Bears DB Charles "Peanut" Tillman didn't fumble his announcement
It's been real ✌🏿️https://t.co/bM9lLkw9wi
— Charles Tillman (@peanuttillman) July 18, 2016
6. Former 49ers, Washington TE Vernon Davis got Gronk and Deebo in on his video
Let's check in on @RobGronkowski and his retirement crew, the Golden Gronks, ft. @jharrison9292 and @VernonDavis85 😂 pic.twitter.com/8iCn9nwuMX
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) February 2, 2020
5. Ex-Patriots, Texans DL Vince Wilfork turned his retirement news into a BBQ ad
Well y’all – it’s been a great run, but the time has come. @Kingsford #Sponsored pic.twitter.com/DXfDzholBi
— Vince Wilfork (@wilfork75) August 7, 2017
4. Former Colts CB Vontae Davis called it a career at halftime
Official statement from CB @vontaedavis. pic.twitter.com/8WXszhnrUo
— NFL (@NFL) September 16, 2018
3. Journeyman QB Kyle Orton never came back
Kyle Orton stopped to grab his wallet around 9:00. Said he was going to a meeting, would talk later. Never came back. pic.twitter.com/8ImJP9ZvOg
— Prescott Rossi (@PrescottRossi) December 29, 2014
2. Former Vikings, Chiefs sackmaster Jared Allen literally rode off into the sunset
Riding off into the sunset pic.twitter.com/wZXovseGKS
— Jared Allen (@JaredAllen69) February 18, 2016
1. And Tom Brady announced... nevermind
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) January 30, 2020
I have an important announcement #ad pic.twitter.com/58KD1jmaC3
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) February 3, 2020