However, Brady, even at the age of 44, soon realised that he was still in love with the sport and within a few weeks changed his mind and said he would play on for Tampa Bay Buccaneers for another 12 months. One year earlier, Brady had added a record seventh Super Bowl title to his endless list of achievements, and a fifth Super Bowl MVP award. He currently holds 97 different records: he is the all-time leader in, amongst others, quarterback wins, passing yards, passing touchdowns and games started – and his sheer longevity has been a phenomenon. He won a Super Bowl in three different decades, six with the New England Patriots and their legendary head coach Bill Belichik, and one with Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Away from the NFL, Brady has had a long-term role as a champion for Best Buddies, a charity which supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, for whom he has helped raise over US$50 million. He is also a major supporter of the Boys and Girls Club of America.

What Tom Brady said: “It’s an amazing honour. I’ve played the sport of American Football for 31 years. I was very fortunate to fall in love with the game that’s brought so many memorable moments in my life. I remember playing as a 14-year-old boy in California with the dreams of achieving a professional career. I feel very blessed along the way to meet so many incredible team-mates, coaches and organisations, not only winning games and victories in the field, but committing themselves to doing amazing things in the community as well.

“This Award was founded in the year 2000 when Nelson Mandela said ‘Sport has the power to change the world’ and I totally agree with that. Sport transcends borders, races, religions, ethnicities. It brings so many people together in a positive way. In my view it brings the best out in individuals.

“To being able to receive this Award and being voted for by so many athletes from around the world, who would have played a variety of different sports but know what it takes to achieve their highest potential, means a lot. Pele was voted in 2000. Billie Jean King was voted last year. People I really looked up to. Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart. It is an incredible honour to achieve this tonight.”

A tribute from England football legend David Beckam: “It’s very hard to argue that the winner of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award is not the greatest of all time. The man who never took no for an answer, came through every setback. The type of character who displays the resilience, character and leadership found only in the living legends. He had 22 seasons of unprecedented success, winning seven Super Bowls, more than anyone else, and named Most Valuable Player in five of those championships. When I think about the peak of athletic excellence, it’s hard not to think of Tom Brady. When I watch him play it’s nothing short of inspiring. A great human, father, a great family man, friend. He is a true champion and the greatest of all time.”

A tribute from NFL tight end Rob Gronkowski: “Tom deserves to win this Lifetime Achievement Award, Tom’s the best at what he does. He’s an exceptional player on and off the field consistently working to improve himself and others every day. Always working to put the team in the best possible position, year in, year out. I have a great deal of respect for him as a person and as a friend. Congrats Tommy. You’re a Lifetime Achiever.”