Any New England Patriots haters who were hoping Tom Brady might be getting ready to retire probably just had their hopes dashed by owner Robert Kraft. The Pats owner spoke to the media during this week's owner's meetings and told those who were assembled that his starting quarterback is going to be there for a long time.
Kraft says Brady told him the quarterback is looking to play for another "six or seven years." Should that be the case, it would make Brady 46 or 47 when he finally hangs up his cleats. His age would put him just short of the record for oldest active player.
George Blanda didn't retire from the game until he was 48.
New England Patriots quarterback owes longevity to clean living
Brady, who turns 40 in August hasn't shown many signs of slowing down. Some of that can be chalked up to the offense the New England Patriots run. The team has lots of quick passes that get the ball out of Brady's hand quickly and leads to less of a pounding throughout the season.
Robert Kraft says Tom Brady told him recently he'd like to play "six or seven" more years. pic.twitter.com/6fGHSJr6Da
— Phil Perry (@PhilAPerry) March 27, 2017
Brady has also put himself on a rather rigorous diet, with the apparent intent of making sure he can play as long as he wants. Kraft mentioned the strict diet and rigorous workout regimen as something that likely isn't for the owner, but he might think differently if the shoe was on the other foot.
“I’m not sure avocado ice cream is right for me,” said the 75-year-old team owner according to Boston.com. “But if I could look like him and perform half as well, I guess I’d do it.”
Tom Brady isn't the only one the New England Patriots would like to see stick around
Kraft's comments are hardly the first time Brady has been heard talking about playing for several more seasons.
After the New England Patriots won yet another Super Bowl in February, the quarterback told Sports Illustrated he planned to play "into his mid-40's."
As for Bill Belichick, Robert Kraft says he hopes his head coach is working into his 80s. "We gotta keep Bill healthy." pic.twitter.com/HfZkznpCer
— Phil Perry (@PhilAPerry) March 27, 2017
Kraft also talked about the longevity of the team's head coach.
Kraft was asked whether he believed Bill Belichick could coach into his 70's. As a response the team owner pointed to Rupert Murdoch and Warren Buffet and said he hoped Belichick would work "into his 80's."
