After returning to the NFL following his 40-day retirement this past summer, everything so far has suggested that this will be Tom Brady's final season, with his commentary job with FOX Sports awaiting.
Brady signed a 10-year, £320million ($375m) deal with the company to become a commentator following his retirement, which many believe will be at the end of this season, following his difficulties on and off-the-field.
Now aged 45, Brady's downfall has been predicted at numerous time throughout the last 10 years, with expert analysts projecting his play to 'fall off a cliff' ever since 2015. Since that time, Brady has gone on to win three more Super Bowl's and an MVP award, all whilst maintaining his elite level of play.
And although many are of the belief that this will be Brady's last season in the NFL, his quotes from years ago may suggest otherwise - stating that he may play until he's 48.
Speaking in 2015, Brady said: "I’d like to play a long time, yeah, a long time. There’s a lot that goes into playing well. I’ve played with a lot of great teammates, but I want to play for a long time. Maybe 10 more years. I think that’s probably what my goal is.
"Well, it’s not always up to me. That’s what my goals are, so that’s just what I’m hoping. And it will take a lot to achieve that. Obviously, a team has to want you, but I think that's, you know, I love playing this sport. I love making a commitment to my teammates and my coaches, and hopefully I can do it for a long time."
Set to become a free agent this summer, should he remain in the NFL, Brady will have a choice of where to finish out his career.
Tampa Bay would obviously be the favourite to retain him, after spending three seasons with them whilst building a roster around him to suit his style of play. They have missed key players on the offensive line this season, including star centre Ryan Jensen who will return next season to one of the best pass protecting groups in the NFL - enticing Brady to remain in Florida.
Should the Buccaneers continue to flatter to deceive, it might be the time for him to look for a move elsewhere - to a team who might feel that they are a quarterback away from competing.
The San Francisco 49ers have long been rumoured to have had interest in Brady, which may become mutual this summer. Brady grew up in the city, where his parents and family currently reside. On the field, the Niners have two of the most explosive weapons in the NFL in Christian McCaffery and Deebo Samuel, a strong offensive line and one of the best defences in the NFL - all whilst being coached by offensive savant Kyle Shanahan.
And a return to the New England Patriots may not be entirely off the cards, with his replacement Mac Jones struggling horrifically in his second season under Bill Belichick, with the team likely looking for their new man, or at least competition for Jones this summer.
