Photo: John Lamparski/WireImage; Jon Kopaloff/GettyJ.J. Wattis having some fun with the news ofTom Bradyofficially retiring from theNFL.After ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Brady, 45, “officially filed a letter” of retirement with the NFL and NFL Players Association, Watt, 33, joked that he “was unaware” of such a formality when heannounced his own retirementin December.“I was unaware there was paperwork… Definitely not gonna fill that out, but definitely retired,” wrote Watt in a quote tweet on Friday.According to Schefter, “This letter silences any questions about whether Brady might return and now makes him eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 2028.“The NFL no longer requires “retirement papers,” which are not irrevocable, NBC Sports reported in 2019. However, a player can file their papers to immediately initiate their pension, which is automatically activated after one year of retirement.J.J.’s brotherT.J. Watt, who plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers, previously told PEOPLE he hopes to see his brother and the seven-timeSuper Bowlchampion inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame, now that they’re both retired.“He’s the greatest of all time,” said T.J., 28. “I’m excited to hopefully be at the Hall of Fame ceremony with him and my brother. I’m sure it’d be a good time.“J.J. previously announced that he was retiring after his last game of the season with the Arizona Cardinals, which was his 12th season with the NFL.Cooper Neill/GettyHe shared the news with photos of himself and his family on the field post-game, including wifeKealia Wattand then 2-month-old daughter Koa James. “Koa’s first ever NFL game.My last ever NFL home game,” he wrote at the time.“My heart is filled with nothing but love and gratitude. It’s been an absolute honor and a pleasure,” added Watt.RELATED VIDEO:Tom BradySays He’s Retiring ‘for Good’ After 23 Seasons in the NFL in Emotional VideoBrady announced his second retirement on Feb. 1, sharing a brief video reflecting on his 23 seasons with the league, exactly one year afterannouncing his short-lived first retirement.Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.“I’m retiring. For good,” he said in the clip. “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.”
Photo: John Lamparski/WireImage; Jon Kopaloff/Getty

J.J. Wattis having some fun with the news ofTom Bradyofficially retiring from theNFL.After ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Brady, 45, “officially filed a letter” of retirement with the NFL and NFL Players Association, Watt, 33, joked that he “was unaware” of such a formality when heannounced his own retirementin December.“I was unaware there was paperwork… Definitely not gonna fill that out, but definitely retired,” wrote Watt in a quote tweet on Friday.According to Schefter, “This letter silences any questions about whether Brady might return and now makes him eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 2028.“The NFL no longer requires “retirement papers,” which are not irrevocable, NBC Sports reported in 2019. However, a player can file their papers to immediately initiate their pension, which is automatically activated after one year of retirement.J.J.’s brotherT.J. Watt, who plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers, previously told PEOPLE he hopes to see his brother and the seven-timeSuper Bowlchampion inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame, now that they’re both retired.“He’s the greatest of all time,” said T.J., 28. “I’m excited to hopefully be at the Hall of Fame ceremony with him and my brother. I’m sure it’d be a good time.“J.J. previously announced that he was retiring after his last game of the season with the Arizona Cardinals, which was his 12th season with the NFL.Cooper Neill/GettyHe shared the news with photos of himself and his family on the field post-game, including wifeKealia Wattand then 2-month-old daughter Koa James. “Koa’s first ever NFL game.My last ever NFL home game,” he wrote at the time.“My heart is filled with nothing but love and gratitude. It’s been an absolute honor and a pleasure,” added Watt.RELATED VIDEO:Tom BradySays He’s Retiring ‘for Good’ After 23 Seasons in the NFL in Emotional VideoBrady announced his second retirement on Feb. 1, sharing a brief video reflecting on his 23 seasons with the league, exactly one year afterannouncing his short-lived first retirement.Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.“I’m retiring. For good,” he said in the clip. “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.”
J.J. Wattis having some fun with the news ofTom Bradyofficially retiring from theNFL.
After ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Brady, 45, “officially filed a letter” of retirement with the NFL and NFL Players Association, Watt, 33, joked that he “was unaware” of such a formality when heannounced his own retirementin December.
“I was unaware there was paperwork… Definitely not gonna fill that out, but definitely retired,” wrote Watt in a quote tweet on Friday.
According to Schefter, “This letter silences any questions about whether Brady might return and now makes him eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 2028.”
The NFL no longer requires “retirement papers,” which are not irrevocable, NBC Sports reported in 2019. However, a player can file their papers to immediately initiate their pension, which is automatically activated after one year of retirement.
J.J.’s brotherT.J. Watt, who plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers, previously told PEOPLE he hopes to see his brother and the seven-timeSuper Bowlchampion inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame, now that they’re both retired.
“He’s the greatest of all time,” said T.J., 28. “I’m excited to hopefully be at the Hall of Fame ceremony with him and my brother. I’m sure it’d be a good time.”
J.J. previously announced that he was retiring after his last game of the season with the Arizona Cardinals, which was his 12th season with the NFL.
Cooper Neill/Getty

He shared the news with photos of himself and his family on the field post-game, including wifeKealia Wattand then 2-month-old daughter Koa James. “Koa’s first ever NFL game.My last ever NFL home game,” he wrote at the time.
“My heart is filled with nothing but love and gratitude. It’s been an absolute honor and a pleasure,” added Watt.
RELATED VIDEO:Tom BradySays He’s Retiring ‘for Good’ After 23 Seasons in the NFL in Emotional Video
Brady announced his second retirement on Feb. 1, sharing a brief video reflecting on his 23 seasons with the league, exactly one year afterannouncing his short-lived first retirement.
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
“I’m retiring. For good,” he said in the clip. “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.”
source: people.com