Tom Brady surpassed Michael Jordan by giving the Tampa Bay Buccaneers their second Super Bowl victory.
For proper context, wide receiver Julian Edelman asked Brady about his plans even if he already had three Super Bowl rings.
The three-time NFL Most Valuable Player responded that he is not just chasing Joe Montana, but he is after the Chicago Bulls legend.
He achieved his bragging rights over His Airness when Tampa Bay dominated the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV, 31-9.
In that game, the University of Michigan alumnus completed 21 passes for 201 yards and three touchdowns.
That triumph gave Brady his seventh Super Bowl win in 10 appearances.
The California native also has five Super Bowl MVPs under his name.
Tom Brady was chasing Michael Jordan all along.
Last year, TB12 passed MJ’s rings.
No. 8 coming in 2021? 🐐 @brgridiron
(via @jeffphowe) pic.twitter.com/VpfDlWQ79T
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 8, 2021
But he’s hungry for more achievements, even if he already has every accolade in his trophy case.
He is showing no signs of slowing down at age 44, especially when he has the legitimate chance of adding to his title collection.
That said, is it fair to declare that Father Time is tired of Brady?
He is still enjoying the challenge at an age wherein most NFL players enjoy their retirement.
Brady adds to his legend with each passing season.
Feel kind of left out to be honest 😂 Congrats bro! @Drake 🐐 pic.twitter.com/yBiotfoSib
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) September 3, 2021
Yet the inevitable retirement looms as the sixth-round pick in the 2000 NFL Draft suits up for his 22nd season.
When will the greatest winner in league history hang up his cleats?
While only he can answer that question, a wise assumption looms based on his word and the Buccaneers’ fate.
Brady Chasing Blanda?
In a promotional video for his TB12 method, Brady shared that he wanted to play until he was 45 years old.
Achieving that feat will be a fantastic selling point for his product that is gaining popularity among athletes.
He is within striking distance of achieving that milestone.
But he can go beyond that age given his obsession to follow a strict diet and exercise routine.
There’s no excuse for his meal plan because his chef makes arrangements for what he eats even if Brady and his family are on vacation.
Maintaining this regimen will help him perform at a high level beyond 45 years old.
Tom Brady's personal trainer/life coach/diet guru Alex Guerrero said he expects the Buccaneers’ QB to play at least two more seasons, allowing him to fulfill his goal of playing in the NFL until the age of 45.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 20, 2021
Aside from his preparation, the Buccaneers’ offensive line can ward off pass rushers that inflict vicious hits.
Ryan Jensen, Ali Marpet, Donovan Smith, Alex Cappa, and Tristan Wirfs are significant contributors to the team’s Super Bowl run.
Having blockers like them will help Brady keep going while receiving minimal sacks.
Likewise, Brady won’t waste the opportunity to win another title with talented receivers like Rob Gronkowski, Antonio Brown, Mike Evans, and Chris Godwin around him.
Their backfield bunch of Leonard Fournette, Ronald Jones, Giovani Bernard, and Ke’Shawn Vaughn will also provide headaches for their opponents.
Add their dominating defense into the mix, and Brady would like to maximize the Buccaneers’ current championship window.
The Super Bowl champion @Buccaneers are a 100% vaccinated organization. 🙌 (via @BruceArians) pic.twitter.com/EkAKt8IiP8
— NFL (@NFL) September 2, 2021
But given that he takes care of his body, Brady has what it takes to tie or surpass George Blanda‘s record.
The former Raiders quarterback and placekicker retired in 1975 at 48 years old.
What’s four more years compared to Brady’s longevity?
However, will he want to play that long for the record’s sake?
From Tampa Bay To Canton
Given the NFL’s hard salary cap, it’s hard to keep a super team like the Buccaneers together for a long time.
While there are ways to soften each player’s cap hit, some of them are chasing top dollar too.
Tampa Bay’s current set-up will hinder them from doing that because they must negotiate fair deals for everyone.
Once the pieces start to leave or retire, that’s the time when Brady will hang his cleats for good.
Brady is under a one-year, $25 million contract extension but with some of that money deferred for 2022.
He will likely sign another one-year deal in 2022 because the projected salary cap increase will help them retain some of their top players.
But beyond that season, it’s hard to see the Buccaneers’ core remaining intact.
Therefore, Brady may officially retire from the NFL after the 2022 season.
NFL 100: At No. 1, Tom Brady — ‘He’s the winner of all winners’
via @TheAthletic https://t.co/Jh0m0EuQEv
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) September 8, 2021
That’s two more seasons of extending his illustrious football resume.
More importantly, he walks into the sunset at age 45, just as he wanted.
If only the league will do what the NHL did to Wayne Gretzky, Brady can join the Pro Football Hall of Fame after his retirement.
But realistically speaking, he will receive his gold jacket as part of the Class of 2027.
NEXT: 3 Lingering Questions For Buccaneers Ahead Of Season Opener