Tom Brady didn't just have a long career. He kept producing at an elite level deep into it.
In 2017, at age 40, Brady led the NFL in passing yards, pass attempts and passing yards per game, becoming the oldest player in league history to lead the league in all three categories. He finished the season with another First Team All-Pro selection.
That was hardly an exception.
In 2015, Brady set an NFL record for most wins as a starting quarterback with one team, reaching 161 victories with New England. He also set the Patriots' franchise record for games played that season.
Then came Tampa Bay.
Brady threw for 4,633 yards during the 2020 regular season and added another 1,061 yards in the playoffs. His 5,694 combined yards ranked among the highest totals in NFL history.
But Brady's performance profile becomes even more impressive when the postseason begins.
He played in 37 playoff games and finished his career as the NFL's all-time postseason leader in passing yards and touchdown passes. His postseason résumé included seven Super Bowl championships and five Super Bowl MVP awards.
Some of his biggest performances came when the stakes were highest.
In Super Bowl XXXVI, with the Patriots tied with the Rams late in the fourth quarter, Brady led a 53-yard drive that set up the game-winning field goal and delivered his first championship and Super Bowl MVP award.
Years later, the pattern continued.
Against Jacksonville in the AFC Championship Game, Brady helped rally New England from a 20-10 fourth-quarter deficit by throwing two touchdown passes to Danny Amendola, sending the Patriots back to the Super Bowl.
And in Super Bowl LV, during his 21st NFL season, Brady delivered another championship performance, helping Tampa Bay finish the job against Kansas City.
The numbers tell the story of his longevity. The championships tell the story of what he did with it.
Brady didn't simply stay in the league long enough to accumulate statistics. He continued to produce, win and perform when the stakes were highest.
That's what made his career different.
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