Tom Brady on playing until 50: 'Even for me, that's a long time'

It feels like Tom Brady could continue playing football forever, but he knows that's not possible.

The Buccaneers quarterback didn't show any signs of slowing down last season, leading Tampa Bay to a Super Bowl title. The seven-time Super Bowl champion's impressive campaign prompted Bucs general manager Jason Licht to float the idea of Brady playing in the NFL at 50 years old. 

However, the veteran signal-caller admitted in an interview with USA Today Sports that it's tough to envision himself playing at the half-century mark. 

"50? That's a long time. Even for me, that's a long time," Brady said. "I've always said 45 was the age that I wanted to reach and that was my goal. This year I'll be 44, so next year I'll be 45. I got a two-year contract.

"I'm going to be able to obviously play this year and God forbid anything happens but play next year and then see what happens after that. If I still want to keep playing, I might be able to do that. And if that's enough, then that would be enough."

After winning the Super Bowl, Brady signed an extension with the Buccaneers through the 2022 campaign.

If the former New England Patriot decides to play beyond 2022, it won't be surprising. However, based on his comments to USA Today, it also won't be surprising if he decides to call it quits. 

Whatever happens, football fans will get at least two more seasons watching one of the greatest of all time, and that's a blessing in itself.