Tom Brady reacts to surprising retirement rumor

For the first time in his more than two-decade-long NFL career, few things seem to be going right for Tom Brady this season.

The 45-year-old quarterback has not looked like himself, he has not played like himself, and ill-timed absences have caused many to question his level of commitment to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. As Brady also battles personal issues off the field, led by reports that he may be headed for divorce from Gisele Bündchen, two prominent NFL personalities recently wondered if the quarterback will decide to retire during the season.

Earlier this week on NBC’s Pro Football Talk Live, Chris Simms and Mike Florio discussed whether Brady or Aaron Rodgers would be more likely to retire mid-season this year.

“Normally I’d feel like it’s Rodgers that would be that guy. But because of this year and some of the off-the-field stuff that’s hitting home and personal stuff with Brady, this is the one year I feel maybe it might be Brady,” Simms said.

“I have thought all along there’s a chance Brady checks out during the season and I still think that happens,” Florio added.

Brady held his weekly press conference Thursday afternoon and was asked about talking heads claiming the quarterback might call it quits in the coming weeks. The quarterback offered an honest response.

“You guys finally broke me, I’m here to announce,” Brady began. “There’s no retirement in my future.”

Brady is no stranger to fighting off retirement rumors, but as he deals with hurdles on and off the field, it’s fair to finally wonder whether the end of his playing career is near. Quitting on his team mid-season, however, would go against everything Brady has built himself up to be over the last two decades.

[The Recount]