Patriots’ Tom Brady Addresses His NFL Future
The underlying question around the New England Patriots has been star quarterback Tom Brady‘s long-term future with the franchise beyond the 2019 season. The discussion has waned a bit in the last few weeks, but there remains much curiosity as to whether he will add another chapter to his illustrious career. Brady has previously said he wants to play well into his 40s, a notion that has drawn much doubt in recent weeks. All that said, he has once again addressed his status in the NFL after the 2019 campaign.
Uncertainty around Tom Brady’s NFL Future
Over the last few seasons, the chatter around Brady‘s long-term future in the NFL has become prominent. It has become quite reasonable for those queries given that he’s now in his 20th season in the league, a rare feat for many players to reach in their careers.
The noise has grown louder around Brady, due to the rumblings that the Patriots could potentially move on from him following this season. What also fueled it is the fact that he’s selling his home in the New England area, which drew speculation that he if he played any longer it could be with another team.
Throughout the process, the Patriots and Brady have remained mum on the discussion, with the focus solely directed on the next task at hand this season with the utlimate goal of winning yet another Super Bowl. However, the 42-year-old has decided to once again talk about his NFL future after the 2019 season.
Tom Brady discusses future beyond 2019 campaign
The conversation around Brady’s playing days after this season has continued to persist, primarily due to the team’s continued offensive struggles.
The Patriots have pushed through to earn their 11th straight AFC East division title, which has quieted the rumors around the situation. Brady has now added another wrinkle to the matter that may finally put an end to all the speculation, as stated during his Westwood One interview with Jim Gray on Monday night that the plans remain the same to play until age 45. (H/T Justin Leger of NBC Sports Boston)
“I think I’ve said for a long time, my tune hasn’t changed. I hope to continue playing,” Brady told Gray.
“I’ve had long-term goals, I’ve had short-term goals and again, football is a contact sport. So you never know when your last game is going to be and you count your blessings every time you walk off the field healthy.”
Brady has never entirely wavered from that notion as he has voiced his intense desire for the game of football. It has much to do with the outside noise that he could potentially step away after this season.
Instead, it appears that he has no aspirations at this point to retire from the NFL. The possibility of him playing for another team in 2020 is an entirely other question as that scenario would be in the Patriots’ hands. Nonetheless, it doesn’t look like Brady will be finishing his career anytime soon.
Tom Brady, Patriots focused on 2019 season
With Brady addressing the situation once again, it may be the last time that he wants to discuss that matter this season. It will be a question that comes up once again in the playoffs, but his strong stance to play beyond this season appears to be definitive.
The team’s focus has always remained on getting back to the Super Bowl. The Patriots have an opportunity to secure a first-round playoff bye if they can top the Miami Dolphins in Week 17 action.
The questions around New England’s chances for the Super Bowl lie primarily with their offensive struggles. The team has shown over the years the ability to adapt to what can best put them in the best spot to win. That could see them once again depend significantly on their running game and defense to lead the charge.
There are other highly formidable teams in the AFC, such as the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs, who could each make a serious run to the Super Bowl. There may be concerns around the Patriots, but they will be in the picture to make a run at adding another title.
