Tom Brady and the word ‘retirement’ have a chaotic history. While the QB is by far the most accomplished player in the NFL, his career’s longevity was a topic of contention. TB12 has undoubtedly set the bar sky-high. But his persistence despite potential risks was a cause of concern. He talked about it recently in a podcast.

Recently, Super Bowl LVII-winning head coach Andy Reid’s name made an appearance in the retirement discourse. TB12 wasn’t too impressed with the speculation thrown at the head coach. Retirement is something the QB is all too familiar with and he didn’t hold back from making some stern comments on his podcast ‘Let’s Go!’

Retirement is a touchy topic for Tom Brady

Early last year, speculation of Tom Brady’s crumbling marriage caused a stir among fans. The reported reason that dissolved the QB’s marriage to model Gisele Bündchen was the fact that he chose to come back to the game after retiring. Retirement is perhaps a touchy subject for the QB. Recently, TB12 once again bid his playing career farewell for the second time in two years.

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Speaking about the pressure that athletes and coaches face, TB12 believes that the league should figure out ways to extend the longevity of careers within the sport instead of making retirement the focus. Although Andy Reid confirmed that he would be returning, speculation abounded in the NFL world.

With regard to Reid’s situation, he said on the podcast, “The league needs more good coaches, that’s the reality, anyone who’s asking Andy Reid to retire is crazy.” But there was one statement that stood out above the rest.

Brady is well-versed in the subject

Brady’s 23-year career is quite a trivial subject. The QB has his fair share of haters alongside the horde of supporters. But many have been critical of the risk TB12 was taking at 45 years old. His ex-wife was reportedly one among the many. One particular statement from the latest episode of his podcast stood out.

Brady said, “It should be up to everyone to choose when they want to stop doing what they love to do, if you love sports and you love football and you’re winning championships you’re going to retire to do something that you don’t love, that you don’t have an opportunity. I think it’s a very hard thing.” That sounded a lot like someone who was speaking from personal experience.

Recently, the QB also mentioned that he still believed he could compete. While the decision of continuing a playing career in a sport as physical as football after a certain age is a personal choice, the risks that accompany that decision are many. Regardless, one thing is certain. TB12 and football are inseparable. If he possessed limitless physical capacity and mental fortitude, Tom Brady would play for as long as he lived.

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