Tom Brady 'preparing to retire'; announcement imminent?

"He is very respectful of the game, and has great respect for the Tampa organization and all they have done for him," the source told La Canfora. "He understands the ramifications that this decision would have on the team moving forward, and he would never want to do anything to upstage the playoffs. Whatever he decides, I'd expect he announces it soon."

Rumors that Brady, who will turn 45 years old in August, was seriously considering calling time on his once-in-a-lifetime career popped up earlier this month before the Buccaneers fell to the Los Angeles Rams in last Sunday's playoff game, and he didn't deny those rumblings immediately after that defeat or the next day while speaking with broadcaster and close friend Jim Gray. 

Brady then raised eyes Tuesday with a vague Instagram post that offered more questions than answers. 

"I understand that at this stage in my career, there is going to be interest in my future whenever a season ends, but this week, all that is on my mind is the gratitude I have for this team and the fans that have supported us all year long," he wrote at that time. 

Brady has long said he wanted to continue playing until he was 45, but his latest comments hinting at him spending more time with Gisele, his wife, and his children apparently mean more to him than pursuing an eighth career championship.