He’s still here: Super Bowl time
If Tom Brady keeps chugging along and winds up playing until age 45 – his stated goal – coach Bill Belichick will be 70 if the duo that has churned out titles like Michael Jordan and Phil Jackson remains together.
‘‘We’re still here!’’ Brady chanted at a pep rally last Sunday in Foxborough, Mass., before the New England Patriots departed for Atlanta.
It was borderline cheesy, especially with the uncomfortable microphone drop at the end. It’s as if he thinks folks have written off the greatest dynasty of at least the Super Bowl era as the quarterback and coach prepare for their ninth championship game.
Hall of Famers Joe Montana and John Elway combined to start nine Super Bowls. Granted, Montana was a perfect 4-0 in his appearances but didn’t have nearly the staying power.
Brady told ESPN last week that win or lose Sunday against the Rams in Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz make those missteps.
‘‘They’re absolutely in trouble,’’ said former Jets coach Rex Ryan, now an ESPN analyst, after the loss to the Steelers on Dec. 16. ‘‘I’ve been saying it for weeks now: This is not the same Patriots team. The reason why is simple: They’re older, they’re slower, and eventually Father Time catches up to you.’’ The Patriots have heard that before, including after last year’s Super Bowl loss to the Eagles. But then Brady leads them back into contention, and just like that, they rally at Arrowhead Stadium to knock off the Chiefs in overtime of the AFC championship game. It’s a thrill – in front of nearly 80,000 hostile fans – that Brady won’t be able to replicate when he’s done playing.