Jan 13, 2018; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) runs off the field after defeating the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Divisional playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Tom Brady has previously said he wanted to play until the age of 45. Despite Brady being in great shape and relatively healthy, that is a tall order for any pro athlete. Maybe Brady was being optimistic that he could play another four years but to not only play but play at such a level as he has throughout his career, it would be a remarkable feat.

Brady didn’t elaborate on how old he wanted to play to but in a sit-down interview with Oprah Winfrey, said that retirement has been on his mind more and more.

From the Boston Herald:

“I think about it more now than I used to,” said Brady, who will turn 41 in August. “I think I’m seeing there’s definitely an end coming sooner, rather than later.”

“As long as I’m still loving it,” he said. “As long as I’m loving the training and the preparation and willing to make the commitment. But it’s also, I think what I alluded to a lot in the docu-series (“Tom vs. Time”), there’s other things happening in my life, too. I do have kids that I love, and I don’t want to be a dad that’s not there, driving my kids to their games . . . my kids have brought a great perspective in my life. Kids just want the attention. You better be there. And be available to them.”

It’s always tough for a pro athlete to contemplate the next chapter of their career. It’s the thing you train for since you were a kid and it’s all over at (hopefully) the midpoint of your life and that can be scary for a lot of people. Brady himself would probably be the first to say he’s fortunate in that he has some control in his future and retire on his own terms but it’s still painful to break away from the game he’s played for most of his life, especially if Brady feels he can keep up his championship caliber play.

The interview reaches a wide range of topics and will air on the OWN network Sunday.

[Boston Herald]

About Phillip Bupp

Producer/editor of the Awful Announcing Podcast and Short and to the Point. News editor for The Comeback and Awful Announcing. Highlight consultant for Major League Soccer as well as a freelance writer for hire. Opinions are my own but feel free to agree with them.

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