Five-time Super Bowl Champion, quarterback Tom Brady of the New England Patriots reaffirmed this week in interview that he will continue his career even after the 2019 NFL season.
"I absolutely believe I will. I know I've talked about it for a long time: I have goals to not only play next year, but beyond that. I'm going to try to do it as best I possibly can. I'm going to give it everything I have, like I always have," said Brady in his weekly interview on Westwood One.
Tom Brady of the New England Patriots throws a pass during the second half against the Buffalo Bills. /VCG Photo
Having been named to Pro Bowl for the 14th time, Brady joined Tony Gonzalez, Peyton Manning, Bruce Matthews and Merlin Olson to become the league's fifth player who earned the honor 14 times. At the age of 41 years old, Brady is playing his 19th season with the Patriots and it is only understandable to wonder "will this be his last season?"
"It will certainly be a challenge. I don't take any of these things for granted, but I hope I can keep playing, and I hope I can keep playing at a championship level," said Brady.
When asked about the place of football in his life, Brady described it as the greatest gift that made him feel excited and fulfilled every day when he goes to work.
"… In my heart and soul, I love playing the sport of football, and it's brought me so much joy in my life…There's anxiousness and nerves, and joy and happiness. There's disappointment and frustration…But if you can stay and build your mental toughness, it's just been incredibly rewarding. I'm a very, very lucky man," said Brady.
Brady holding the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 in overtime during Super Bowl 51. /VCG Photo
Having grown one year older than he was when he helped the Patriots win the Super Bowl as the Super Bowl MVP in 2017, Brady saw his performance drop whilehis was suffering from a knee injury. However, health did not seem to worry him too much.
"I'm feeling really good. It's been 15 weeks of football, and there's always bumps and bruises you deal with. But I'm feeling great for this time of year. I'll take it every year to be feeling as good as I am at this time of the season," said Brady.
Brady's current contract with the Patriots will expire after the 2019 season. The team No.2 in the American Football Conference (AFC) with 10 wins and five losses. If they can defeat the New York Jets at home on Sunday, the Patriots will earn a first-round bye in the playoffs.