Tom Brady’s future remains a mystery.
The 42-year-old quarterback has been with the New England Patriots since 2000 and he’s slowly built himself as an NFL icon. Brady spent all 20 seasons with the Patriots and it didn’t seem like that would ever change — until this year. Rumors have been tossed around that he wants out of New England as he hits the free agency.
He told reporters after losing to the Tennessee Titans in the wild-card round of the playoffs that it’s ‘pretty unlikely’ that he retires. That leaves the question — will Brady actually leave and play for another team?
Based off of his conversation with NBC Sports’ Peter King, it doesn’t sound like he’s dying to get out of New England.
“I’ll explore those opportunities whenever they are,” Brady said. “If it’s the Patriots, great. If that doesn’t work, I don’t know. I just don’t know. I love playing football. I still want to play football. I think I still can play at a championship level. I’ve just got to go do it. I’m motivated to get back to work and training.”
Brady reportedly won’t give the Patriots a hometown discount this time around, so that could play a major factor in his future.
“I absolutely still do love this game,” Brady continued. ” … I think a lot of other people who are great at what they do — great artists or great actors or great businessmen — they don’t have to stop what they love as they get older. I know there’s football still in here.”
From a business standpoint, it may not make sense for Bill Belichick to return Brady. If he wants a large paycheck at the age of 42, the Patriots may be better off exploring different options and moving on.
This situation is inevitable, and it’s very possible that Brady’s days as a Patriots are in the past. But, based on his comments, it’s also possible that he’s considering a return. It’s all speculation until Brady pulls the trigger and makes a decision.
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