The legendary quarterback said on Monday – which marked a stripped-down Super Bowl opening night, held virtually in the midst of the pandemic – that he may even have a few more seasons and “definitely would consider” playing after 45.
“It’s a physical sport and the only prospect I have is that you never know when that moment will be,” said Brady, whose Tampa Bay Buccaneers will face the Kansas City Chiefs at Super Bowl LV on Sunday.
“It is a contact sport and there is a lot of training involved. And again, I have to be 100 percent committed on my part to keep practicing.”
Brady could win a seventh Super Bowl ring in Tampa this weekend, in addition to taking the Bucs to a second championship, the first since 2003.
He will play his third Super Bowl in four seasons and, since turning 40, has led the NFL with 47 wins.
A seventh title would have Brady overtake Michael Jordan, the NBA’s big man with six championships between 1991 and 1998.
“Michael is one of my sporting idols, I think he’s incredible,” said Brady.
“For me, it’s about being part of many great teams. Having the opportunity to play this game means a lot to me.
“We are one game from the final goal in this sport. And I participated in that final goal six times. So they are all different. They all meant something a little different to me. They have all been unique in their own way. And it will be very good to get it this time.
“I don’t compare them to the other times. Those were all magical moments in my life and no one could take them away from me. And I hope we can finish this season strong and win a Super Bowl. That’s why we’re here.”
Brady will face Patrick Mahomes this weekend – an 18-year-old defender who hopes to take the Chiefs to consecutive titles.
It is the first Super Bowl match between the winning quarterback of the previous two Super Bowls, with Brady winning with the New England Patriots in 2019.
“I really admire Patrick for the type of player he is. He has a great command of his team. I know his teammates love to play with him. He has great charisma,” said Brady.
“And I think when I see Patrick, I see someone who, again – none of those moments is too big for him.
“And the times when I had a chance to talk to him off the field, I certainly liked it. And he is a great player. I know he is still at the beginning of his career, but what he will finally achieve will be up to him. ”