FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Tom Brady has no plans to retire anytime soon.
That means the AFC East – and the rest of the NFL, for that matter – might have to deal with the New England Patriots’ quarterback for a while longer.
“I’d like to play a long time, yeah, a long time,” Brady said during a conference call with New York Jets reporters Wednesday.
“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.”
When asked if he was being serious about playing another decade, Brady insisted that is definitely his plan.
“Well, it’s not always up to me,” he acknowledged. “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.”
The 38-year-old Brady has shown no signs of slowing down.
He’s tied for second in the league with 14 touchdown passes while throwing just one interception. His 1,699 yards passing rank him fifth in the NFL, and he’s completing 70.6 percent of his passes.
SEAHAWKS: Running back Fred Jackson will play Thursday night against San Francisco after being examined by the team following a minor car crash, Coach Pete Carroll said.
Jackson participated in the team’s walkthrough practice before departing to face the 49ers. It’s the second car accident the Seahawks are dealing with after fullback Derrick Coleman was involved in a two-car crash last week that led to his arrest for investigation of vehicular assault and hit-and-run.
Jackson’s accident happened Tuesday night near the team’s facility. The Renton Police Department said that shortly before 5 p.m. PDT, Jackson lost control of his 2016 Corvette as he drove down Seahawks Way. A stop sign and street signs were knocked over in the wreck. Jackson’s vehicle sustained moderate front-end damage. Jackson remained on scene until officers arrived and was cooperative.
JETS: Running back Stevan Ridley practiced for the first time this season, and Coach Todd Bowles said there’s “a chance” Ridley could face New England, his former team, on Sunday.
Ridley is on the physically unable to perform list after tearing the ACL and MCL in his right knee last season.
TITANS: Quarterback Marcus Mariota didn’t practice, giving the sprained MCL in his left knee a day of rest. The rookie wasn’t wearing any protective gear on his injured leg but said he would wear a brace if he must. Mariota also said his chances of playing against the Atlanta Falcons are pretty good.
STEELERS: Cam Heyward is done fighting with the NFL over writing his father’s nickname on his eye black.
The defensive end said in a statement late Tuesday that he met with league officials after the league fined him for writing “Iron Head” on his eye black in consecutive weeks. Craig “Iron Head” Heyward played 11 seasons in the NFL as a running back. He died from cancer in 2006.
Cam Heyward said had a “respectful” exchange with the league and will wear plain eye black going forward.
BENGALS: The team reached a tentative settlement of a federal lawsuit over pay for its cheerleaders.
Documents filed in U.S. District Court show the Bengals agreed to pay Ben-Gal cheerleaders $255,000 to settle claims that their commitments for games, practices and promotional events netted them payment below minimum wage.
JAGUARS: Running back T.J. Yeldon sat out his fourth consecutive practice because of a groin injury. The rookie missed all three workouts last week and didn’t play in a loss to Houston, when Jacksonville had just 83 rushing yards.
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