Hall of Famer Peyton Manning wouldn't be surprised if Tom Brady plays nine more years

Tom Brady has not committed to playing in the NFL beyond age 45. However, his former rival, Peyton Manning, wouldn't be surprised if the seven-time Super Bowl champion continues to play into his late 40s. 

The Hall of Famer spoke about Brady's longevity on the latest episode of The Ringer's "The Bill Simmons Podcast," saying he wouldn't be surprised if the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback played nine more years. 

"My note in (my speech) was that when Tom Brady gets inducted into the Hall of Fame on the first ballot in 2035 — that was my line," Manning said, as transcribed by theScore. "I think some people missed that ... does he play nine more years, go to 2030? It wouldn't surprise me."

Brady's current contract is set to expire after the 2022 season, and he recently admitted that playing until he's 50 is "a long time," but he didn't close the door on the possibility. 

In fact, in a recent interview with Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, Brady said he hopes to be in Tampa "for many years." So if he does play beyond age 45, you can bet it will be with the Buccaneers.

Brady's trainer, Alex Guerrero, provided some insight into the veteran's mindset.

"He loves the game. He continues to love the game," Guerrero said. "But you know what? He's not sore on Monday and Tuesday. His body feels good. So he's like, 'Why not continue what I love doing because I feel good.'"

If the Bucs continue to contend for a championship year after year and Brady feels good, there's really no reason for him to retire. After all, if he wins his eighth Super Bowl this season, what's stopping him for going for 10 titles before he hangs up the cleats?