Tom Brady is deep into his retirement, having transitioned from players’ gear to a broadcasting role alongside minority ownership of the Las Vegas Raiders. However, Matt Ryan, a former NFL MVP and current analyst on CBS, claims that Brady still possesses the ability to play if he desired.

“I think he could,” Ryan expressed during an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show. “The way he takes care of himself, he appears more fit now than he ever has. His playing style allows for a longer career since he doesn’t need to rely on mobility as much. He can still throw it and he still throws it well.”

Brady officially retired in February 2023 after an illustrious 23 seasons in the NFL, capturing seven Super Bowl victories and earning three league MVP awards. Notably, he spent 20 seasons with the New England Patriots and six championships, becoming the league’s most decorated quarterback. Remarkably, Brady maintained his performance into his 40s, leading in both passing yards and touchdowns at 44 during his second season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, showing little decline even in his final season, achieving career-best numbers in attempts and completions.

Much of his longevity is attributed to the TB12 Method, a distinctive training regimen centered on pliability and recovery. While some skeptics doubted its efficacy, its results allowed Brady to not only remain on the field but to excel long after most of his contemporaries had retired.

In September 2021, Brady pondered the idea of playing until 50 during an episode of Tommy & Gronky, a video series he co-hosted with his former teammate Rob Gronkowski.

“That seems to be a hot question lately. Can I play until I’m 50? I find it not that difficult. Living in Florida feels like a retiree state, so I feel like I could glide into retirement. I think I can, yes.”

Ultimately, he decided to retire at 45, but not due to any diminishing skills or lack of preparation. Reports suggest Brady left the game still capable of playing, but decided it was time to step away.