Tom Brady still plays with a chip on his shoulder despite an accomplished NFL career.
He still finds a reason to compete even if he already has seven Super Bowl titles to his credit.
The three-time league MVP performs better when people bet against him or count him out.
Even his longevity has been a point of criticism among naysayers.
There were times during his last years with the New England Patriots that he looked gassed or old.
But he rose above those challenges and kept on winning not just titles but also in life.
His desire to play until 45 years old got widespread skepticism.
Some criticize the statement as a way to promote his TB12 method.
But he’s just 11 months away from doing that feat, and there are no signs of him slowing down.
He threw for 379 and four touchdowns in their opening day victory over the Dallas Cowboys, 31-29.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are favorites to win back-to-back Super Bowls because of him and a stellar assembly of football talent.
With his goal to play until 45 being attainable, Brady let everybody know his next target in his online show with tight end Rob Gronkowski.
Aptly named Tommy & Gronky, the multi-titled duo tried to answer the Internet’s most searched questions.
The five-minute video shot within the Buccaneers practice facility had a setting that looked like a retired person’s backyard.
However, Brady confirmed right off the bat that he’s not walking into the sunset just yet.
Gronkowski read the question, “Can Tom Brady play until 50 years old?”
Brady responded, “I don’t find it so difficult, and plus, I’m in Florida, so it’s kind of a retiree state. I feel like I can play and just glide into retirement.”
Nothing Is Impossible With Brady
The sixth-round prospect in the 2000 NFL Draft ended his reply, “I think I can. I think it’s a yes.”
Reading between the lines, that’s neither a confirmation nor a denial.
He thinks he can because he’s one of the most disciplined athletes ever, and that’s why playing until 50 years old wouldn’t be difficult.
Brady takes care of himself by working out and following a stringent meal plan that lets him perform at a high level.
The TB12 website indicates that fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds comprise 80 percent of his diet.
The remaining 20 percent are protein-rich foods like chicken, red meat, and seafood.
He also drinks a lot of water to keep himself hydrated through training and games.
Despite his preparations, football remains a brutal sport, and one hit can end careers.
However, Brady rarely gets sacked because of the superb Buccaneers offensive line featuring Ali Marpet, Ryan Jensen, and Tristan Wirfs.
He has enough time to execute their offense without worrying about being blindsided by a tackle.
With Brady taking care of himself and the Buccaneers taking care of him, playing until 50 is attainable.
That achievement makes him the oldest active player in NFL history, and only time can tell how many Super Bowls he will end up winning.
But when he does play until his golden year, doubters will have nothing left to say against him.
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