Tom Brady opened up in a two-hour-long interview on The Howard Stern Show that offered many rare revelations and insight into the future Hall of Famer. In addition to sharing his perspective on leaving the New England Patriots and his personal life, Brady also was candid about head injuries and the risks of playing football.
While Gisele Bundchen, Brady’s wife, has revealed his history with head injuries, the 42-year-old quarterback has mostly kept the details private. That changed on Wednesday when Brady admitted that he has experienced several concussions in his career and played through them.
Brady has played through multiple injuries in his career, including this past season, but the Patriots rarely listed him on the injury report with a head injury or concussion. Of course, players were especially known in the past not to disclose if they suffered a head injury or were experiencing concussion-like symptoms.
A father of three, the 42-year-old was also asked if he’d let his kids play football knowing the greater risk for CTE and injuries that could have lasting effects on a person’s life. While some former athletes have said they wouldn’t let their child play football, Brady made it clear he would love if his kids followed his path.
Football can certainly be an incredible way to help people grow and develop their work habits and crucial traits they can carry for the rest of their life. However, the increased risk of head trauma has pushed many away from the game.
For all of the risks that come with it, which Brady has himself experienced, the future Hall of Famer is clearly appreciative for everything the game taught him and has helped him accomplish. It’s an endorsement that the NFL will certainly be very happy to have.