I had a great career and I enjoyed all of it, with the exception of losing.

You know, it's a different deal - throwing a football as opposed to throwing a baseball.

I feel so fortunate, so honored, to have played this game that I love for so long, with so many great players, and in front of so many wonderful fans. I fulfilled a childhood dream the first time I stepped on an NFL field, and the league did not let me down one time.

I retire with a smile on my face, in good health, and ready to spend autumns at my kids' games instead of my own. I'm excited to start the next chapter of my life.

That's the only reason I'm here. I don't need to play the game for any other reason than to win a championship.

The amount of work and the amount of both physical and emotional investment it takes to get to the top.

Getting hurt and watching Tom Brady take over and beginning what's been just a spectacular run of his, and to come back and play in the AFC Championship Game against the Steelers in Pittsburgh, and help us win that game, is a memory that stands out very clearly.