“No one believes me”: When 41-year-old Tom Brady shocked NFL world with his answer before winning 6th Super Bowl

NFL legend Tom Brady etched his name in the history books after winning a memorable Super Bowl LI against the Atlanta Falcons in 2017. When most people thought that Brady was approaching the dawn of his stellar career, the world was witnessing the birth of Brady 2.0. He aged like a fine wine, not just with his dashing looks but also in gameplay.

Although fans weren’t done watching Brady step on the field, they also anticipated when he would call it quits. During an interview with ESPN just days ahead of Super Bowl LIII against the Rams in 2019, Brady was asked about his retirement plan.

“I feel like I’m asked that a lot, and I feel like I repeat the same answer,” he said. “No one believes me (about his plan of playing until 45 years old).”

Tom Brady ages like a fine wine

Brady was 41 then, and he had planned to play till he was 45. QBs rarely play beyond 40, let alone till their mid-40s. RBC research says that most athletes retire before the age of 30. Brady’s greatest rival, Peyton Manning, retired at 39; Brady’s childhood hero, Joe Montana, retired at 38. Hence, his aspirations were surprising for everyone, including his biggest fans.

Playing till the age of 45 was surprising considering the rigorous training one would require to stay fit till then. Also, the NFL is an extremely competitive league, and staying in form was also a bigger requirement, especially when you were the preferred QB of the most dominant team in the league. But this was Brady, the best among all. The most dominant man in the field leading the Patriots dynasty.

The widely regarded NFL GOAT achieved four Super Bowl rings from five appearances in the latter stage of his career with the Patriots and Buccaneers. He credits his extreme fitness, which paved the way for a late-career resurgence. The pliability therapy helped Brady recover faster from injuries and stay fit. He was so impressed by the method that it later became a part of his TB12 program for athletes.

Tom Brady retires at 45 as promised

Brady eventually called curtains on his illustrious career after the 2022-23 season amidst strong controversy involving his former wife, Gisele Bündchen. As promised, he was 45 at the time of his retirement.

However, this was the second retirement announced by him in as many years. But this time he was aware of the seriousness of the situation, so he said through a social media video on February 1, 2023.

“I won't be long-winded. You only get one super emotional retirement essay, and I used mine up last year, so really thank you guys so much, to every single one of you, for supporting me.”

He remained retired as of now, spending time with his children and performing commentary for FOX.