If you told someone in 2016 that Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers would still be considered elite quarterbacks in 2022, they would probably have laughed at you.
At that point, both legendary quarterbacks had started to decline, with many prematurely projecting the end would not be too far away. Since then, Rodgers has won two MVP awards, whilst Brady has won three Super Bowls.
However, 2022 has not been kind for both, with their teams hugely struggling and unlikely to compete in the playoffs - which has many predicting that they could walk away from the sport. The Green Bay Packers will need an almighty turnaround if they are to make the post-season with a 5-8 record, whilst the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sitting at 6-6.
Former NFL punter turned talk show host, Pat McAfee has doubted whether either will walk away from the sport, whilst being capable of playing at an elite level as they have recently shown.
It came on the back of Brady's comeback victory on Monday night, when he lead to impressive drives to touchdowns over their rival New Orleans Saints to keep their season alive.
McAfee said: "Talking about Tom Brady made me think about Aaron [Rodgers]. Everyone said Aaron will go and host jeopardy. Walk off into the sunset, he'll be able to do it. I don't think that's the case.
"I think that's the point about Tom. Everyone is talking about Tom experiencing what life is like without football, everyone was making the "taking the kids to school" joke. I don't think it's going to be easy for anyone who is in that situation to ever walk away, and that got cemented home last night."
For the Packers, Rodgers does seem disgruntled after they had traded away star wide receiver Davante Adams - who continues to dominate, playing at an elite level with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Rodgers has pondered retirement for the last three seasons, according to reports, with the Packers even drafting his replacement in 2020 in Jordan Love. However, he did sign a four-year deal recently, and is unlikely to walk away.
Brady famously did retire this off-season, before returning after just 40 days, coming back for his 23rd season. The 45-year-old split from ex-wife Gisele Bundchen in October in what has been a turbulent few months for the legendary signal-caller.
