Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady is going to reach his previously stated goal of playing to the age of 45, as he’s determined to remain in the NFL through at least the 2022 season.
Brady’s longtime business associate, trainer and close friend, Alex Guerrero, confirmed TB12’s future plans in a podcast interview with ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
You’d be forgiven for doubting Brady if he hadn’t proven he could defy the odds before. At this point, instead of trying to rush to conclusions about Brady and when his inevitable decline will begin, it’s probably wise to just sit back and appreciate his greatness.
Tom Brady could be much better in 2021
- Tom Brady stats (2020): 401-of-610 passing for 4,633 yards, 65.7% completion rate, 40 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 102.2 passer rating.
Because Brady is entering his age-44 season, every year is championship-or-bust for the Bucs. While that could threaten to sink a team, they thrived on that pressure to raise the Lombardi Trophy in Brady’s first year with the team.
All offensive and defensive starters from Tampa Bay’s Super Bowl LV-winning team are back for the 2021 campaign. What’s more, Brady will no longer be playing on a torn MCL, should be more mobile and has the means to perform even better in his second year under coach Bruce Arians.
Considering how well the Bucs jelled in 2020 on the fly, it stands to reason that with a healthier Brady, and the coaching staff’s key assistants all still in place, this team will be even closer in 2021.
Will Tom Brady finish his career in Tampa Bay?
The Bucs drafted Florida QB Kyle Trask in the second round this year as the presumptive, eventual heir apparent to Brady. Because Tampa Bay didn’t spend a first-round pick, Trask isn’t really viewed as a candidate to take over any time soon.
That said, as each year passes, questions about Brady’s future will inevitably arise. What if the team doesn’t meet expectations coming off a championship this year? Will that spell the sudden end to Brady’s tenure?
What Brady is doing is unprecedented. There’s no blueprint for how to handle it. Unlike aging field generals before him, Tom Terrific isn’t showing any signs of declining production.
Tampa Bay would be wise to hang onto Brady for as long as possible. Regardless of what happens, he’s already delivered a Super Bowl, and the Bucs should just ride him for as long as he’s able to play. Otherwise, they’d risk seeing him go somewhere else, just like the New England Patriots did, and watching him raise that Lombardi Trophy.
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