Tom Brady channels Kobe Bryant when discussing possibility of retirement

With Tom Brady’s 22nd NFL season under his belt, for the first time in his career — one of the greatest football players of all time looks to be contemplating retirement.

“We never know what’s going to happen in the future. We really don’t. Kobe Bryant, a friend of ours, God rest his soul,” Brady said on the Let’s Go podcast earlier this week. “We think we’re going to live forever — we’re not. We think we’re going to play forever — we’re not.”

It’s not like Brady’s game is sinking, either. It’s quite the opposite. He just had his first 5,000-yard passing season (5,316) since 2011, also the most yards he’s ever thrown for in a season — which is saying something given his NFL career is old enough to drink.

On top of his rejuvenated throwing prowess, his 43 touchdown passes are the most since 2007 when he threw 50. It seemed as if the Buccaneers were set to run it back for a second consecutive Super Bowl berth in as many seasons with Tampa Bay, but the Rams had other plans.

There are several factors in play that lead speculation about Brady’s potential retirement, but Bucs’ head coach Bruce Arians said he would be stunned if his star quarterback didn’t play next season. 

“The way he was at practice (Friday), I would be shocked if he didn’t (play next year),” Arians told the Tampa Bay Times.

Given Brady’s comments on the Let’s Go podcast, the death of Kobe Bryant may have put into perspective how fragile life is for someone the public looks at as an untouchable sports icon and role model.

“What can we do?” Brady asked. “We can enjoy the moments we have.”

Brady will turn 45 years old this year and has pointed to his wife and his kids for a potential reason to hang it up. He said it pains his wife to see him get hit.

At the same time, it’s not just a decision about family, it’s also about how his body feels. He wants to play at the top of his game whenever he’s on the field — and if he can’t, maybe it is time to call it a career.

“The team doesn’t deserve anything less than my best. And if I feel like I’m not committed to that, or I can’t play at a championship level, then you gotta give someone else a chance to play,” Brady said. “And, you know, we’ll see.”