Los Angeles (AFP) – The sporting world hailed Tom Brady on Tuesday as the NFL announced his retirement after 22 seasons. Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Brady, a seven-time Super Bowl winner and holder of a slew of records that may never be beaten, confirmed his retirement in a post on Instagram. The 44-year-old said he was finally retiring after a career he described as a “thrilling ride.” Many across the NFL agreed, saluting Brady’s competitive spirit and longevity in one of the world’s most unforgiving sporting crucibles. “It was an honor and a privilege to compete against him on the field…