Be like Brady: Aaron Rodger wants to be the next quarterback to play into his 40s

Michael Dwyer | AP

Longevity is something that is not easy to come by, especially in the National Football League.

To have success for such a long time requires hours of hard work and dedication, and New England Patriots quarterback, Tom Brady, knows exactly that.

Brady has accomplished so much over his career, and he’s not done yet. At the age of 40, the QB led the Patriots to another Super Bowl appearance while earning MVP honors last season.

And there’s another notable player who would like to follow in his footsteps.

In an interview with MMQB’s Albert Breer, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers spoke highly of TB12 and how he respects and admires his commitment and perseverance.

“I can’t really rely on the chips on my shoulder, whether it was actual or perceived, that motivational stuff you use,” Rodgers said. “So you look for different ways to challenge yourself. For me, it’s that longevity now. We play at a high level, and 40 is an interesting number for quarterbacks. There haven’t been a lot of guys that have gotten there.”

“Tommy was obviously incredible last year at 40, but there aren’t a lot of guys that can do that.”

Rodgers is hoping he can join the elite group of those who can. In order to reach his goal, Rodgers has spoke with Brady about his approach to staying physically prepared. Brady even sent him a copy of his TB12 book.

“Tom and I are close,” Rodgers said. “We’ve talked about the stuff he does. I don’t swear off nightshades like he does, but I had a lot of room to grow in that area. I love sweets and food in general, so being smart about what I was eating tied to my performance.”

“I’d love to be a starter at 40, so that’d be 40 turning 41,” he said. “That’d be awesome because not many guys have been able to play really well to that age.”

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