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Here is something remarkable about the career of Tom Brady

By Connor Fulton

Oct 11, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) takes the field as sunbeams cut across the field during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) takes the field as sunbeams cut across the field during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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The career of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is entering its 17th year, putting his 2008 knee injury in perspective.

Here is something remarkable about Brady’s career. he has now logged as many starting seasons since the 2008 knee injury as he had when he hit the turf on that fateful September afternoon.

Look at the history. Brady took over for Drew Bledsoe in 2001, leading the Patriots to Super Bowl glory and then starting for the next six years. That’s seven years as a starter.

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And then, Brady missed the entirety of the 2008 season, creating a hole in his career stat sheet. Brady has since started seven seasons, so the hole that represents the lost 2008 season marks the halfway point of Brady’s career.

Looking back, that scary afternoon in September of 2008 only adds to Brady’s legacy. Of course you are going to sustain some kind of serious injury when you play in the NFL for 17 years as a starting quarterback. In the case of Brady, that injury did not derail his career; in fact, an argument exists that Brady has actually been a better quarterback since recovering from the torn ACL.

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Time flies, I suppose. It seems so recently that Brady found Ben Watson in the back of the end zone in the thrilling 2009 season opener against the Buffalo Bills, the game which marked the return of the great quarterback. But now the year is 2016, and as much time has passed since Brady’s injury as Brady had played entering the 2008 opener. Nuts.

Looking ahead, this writer thinks Brady will play another four seasons. With the way No. 12 treats his body, he should have another two or three years as a top-tier starter, and another one or two seasons riding off into the sunset. Hopefully, the Patriots can capture at least one, maybe two more titles in that span to cement Brady as the far-and-away best ever.

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What do you think? How much longer will Brady be in the NFL?

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