Is Feb. 1 Tom Brady Day? That's when the GOAT of football retired (twice) on social media

Is Feb. 1 special to Tom Brady? Or is he just partial to the first week in February?

Typically, this time of year is dedicated to all things Super Bowl − and since Brady is the GOAT of football, his name inevitably comes up. A peek at the seven-time Super Bowl champion's social posts either on Feb. 1 or around that date for the past five years possibly paints a story. As of Jan. 31, 2024, Brady has 14.7 million followers on Instagram.

Here's a look back at significant news that Tom Brady dropped on or around Feb. 1 that left the football world shook.

• On Feb. 2 and 3, 2019, Brady posted "Still here. Never left" messages on Instagram. Then 41 years old and quarterback for the New England Patriots, Brady and the team were getting ready to play the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII. Brady made history when he claimed his record sixth Super Bowl win when the Patriots defeated the Rams 13-3 on Feb. 3, 2019. A day later, Brady posted an Instagram Reel featuring then-teammate Rob "Gronk" Gronkowski showing football highlights and set to Eminem's song "Without Me." His post? "The W." He also posted a photo that day of his daughter, Vivi, holding the Vince Lombardi Super Bowl trophy.

• On Feb. 2, 2020, Brady posted a reunion photo, "Pats Nation <3," just before Super Bowl LIV, according to Boston.com: "As part of the league’s celebration of its 100th season, coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady posed for a photo with former Patriots Rob Gronkowski, Randy Moss and Adam Vinatieri prior to kickoff. The five, donning red jackets, were all named to the NFL 100 All-Time Team." Though the team didn't make it to the Super Bowl that year, Brady, then 42 years old and a sixth-time Super Bowl champ, wasn't finished with football. On Feb. 7, 2020, he posted a photo of himself about to pass a football at the beach with the caption: "31 weeks until kickoff. That's a lot of time to get better. #TheOnlyWayIsThrough." Brady announced his decision to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on March 20, 2020.

• On Feb. 4, 2021, Brady posted a photo of the Tampa Bay Bucs in a football huddle on the field with the hashtag #GoBucs prominent in the picture. The caption of the post? "Tick. Tick. Tick." Super Bowl LV was Feb. 7, 2021, and the Bucs played (and defeated) the Kansas City Chiefs 31 to 9.

• On Feb. 1, 2022, the GOAT of football retired. However, he unretired just over a month later to complete "unfinished business."

• On Feb. 1, 2023, the GOAT of football retired, "for good." Brady announced the news in a social media video from a Florida beach.

When did Tom Brady retire from football?

On Feb. 1, 2022, Brady announced his retirement on Instagram, mentioning his team, coaches, family (including then-wife supermodel Gisele Bundchen) and his future prospects. Though he would go on to change his mind about retiring less than a month later, here is the official statement that Brady posted on his social channels:

"I have always believed the sport of football is an 'all-in' proposition - if a 100% competitive commitment isn't there, you won't succeed, and success is what I love so much about our game. There is a physical, mental, and emotional challenge EVERY single day that has allowed me to maximize my highest potential. And I have tried my very best these past 22 years. There are no shortcuts to success on the field or in life. This is difficult for me to write, but here it goes: I am not going to make that competitive commitment anymore. I have loved my NFL career, and now it is time to focus my time and energy on other things that require my attention.

I've done a lot of reflecting the past week and have asked myself difficult questions. And I am so proud of what we have achieved. My teammates, coaches, fellow competitors, and fans deserve 100% of me, but right now, it's best I leave the field of play to the next generation of dedicated and committed athletes.

To my Bucs teammates the past two years, I love you guys, and I have loved going to battle with you. You have dug so deep to challenge yourself, and it inspired me to wake up every day and give you my best. I am always here for you guys and want to see you continue to push yourselves to be your best. I couldn't be happier with what we accomplished together.

To all the Bucs fans, thank you. I didn't know what to expect when I arrived here, but with your support and embrace have enriched my life and that of my family. I have been honored to play for such a passionate and fun fan base. What a Krewe!!!

To the city of Tampa and the entire Tampa-St. Petersburg region, thank you. It has been wonderful to be a resident of such a fun place to live. I want to be invited to our next boat parade!

To the Glazer family, thank you for taking a chance on me and supporting me. I know I was demanding at times, but you provided everything we needed to win, and your ownership was everything a player could ask for.

To Jason Licht, thank you for your daily support and friendship - I will never forget it. I had never been through free agency, and I had some trepidation about how we could achieve success. Your leadership gave me confidence, and I will always be grateful.

To my head coach Bruce Arians, thanks for putting up with me! Your firmleadership and guidance were ideal. There is no way we could have had successwithout your experience, intuition, and wisdom. I am very grateful.

To all the Bucs coaches, my sincere thanks for all the hard work, dedication, and discipline that goes into creating a winning team. I have learned so much from all of you and will value the relationships we have.

To my parents and entire family (and extended family of countless friends), I love you and thank you for your never-ending support and love. I could never have imagined the time and energy you have given me for the past 30 years in football. I can never repay you. And just know I love you so much.

And lastly to my wife, Gisele, and my children Jack, Benny and Vivi. You are my inspiration. Our family is my greatest achievement. I always came off the field and home to the most loving and supportive wife who has done EVERYTHING for our family to allow me to focus on my career. Her selflessness allowed me to reach new heights professionally, and I am beyond words what you mean to me and our family. Te amo amor da minha vida <3

My playing career has been such a thrilling ride, and far beyond my imagination, and full of ups and downs. When you're in it every day, you really don't think about any kind of ending. As I sit here now, however, I think of all the great players and coaches I was privileged to play with and against the competition was fierce and deep, JUST HOW WE LIKE IT. But the friendships and relationships are just as fierce and deep. I will rememberand cherish these memories and re-visit them often. I feel like the luckiest person in the world.

The future is exciting. I'm fortunate to have cofounded incredible companies like @autograph.io @bradybrand @tb12sports that I am excited to continue to help build and grow, but exactly what my days will look like will be a work-in-progress. As I said earlier, I am going to take it day by day. I know for sure I want to spend a lot of time giving to others and trying to enrice other people's lives, just as so many have done for me.

With much love, appreciation, and gratitude,Tom"

When did Tom Brady retire from football?

On Feb. 1, 2023, the GOAT of football announced his official retirement − "for good."

The seven-time Super Bowl champion announced the news in a selfie video on social media: "I know the process was a pretty big deal last time, so when I woke up this morning, I figured I'd just press record and let you guys know first. I won't be long-winded. You only get one super emotional retirement essay, and I used mine up last year. I could go on forever. There's too many (people to thank). Thank you guys for allowing me to live my absolute dream. I wouldn't change a thing. Love you all."

Sangalang is a lead digital producer for USA TODAY Network-Florida. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram at @byjensangalang. Support local journalism. Consider subscribing to a Florida newspaper.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: When did Tom Brady retire? Feb. 1 is significant to Super Bowl champ