After everything we’ve gone through with Tom Brady this offseason, it’s hard to imagine that he’d find the motivation to keep playing football if he wins a sixth ring this season. Everything he’s said and done since February points to his desire to live life on his own terms — something that’s impossible in the NFL and unthinkable under Bill Belichick.

Still, it’s a hard reality to admit out loud. There is no heir apparent. When Brady retires, it’s over. At least, as it stands right now. Still, Brady’s friend and former teammate, Willie McGinest, believes Brady will retire a winner if the opportunity presents itself.

“I think there’ll be a walk-off if he wins the this year. I don’t think it’ll be 45 years old. I think he’ll walk off and say ‘the game’s been amazing to me and now I’m going to figure something else out.’”

McGinest also said he believed there was a chance Brady would’ve retired if he’d won Super Bowl LII against the Eagles.

It’s pretty bold of McGinest to directly contradict Brady’s own claims that he wants to play until he’s 45, particularly just days after he reiterated his stance in a cryptic Instagram comment. But doesn’t retiring after winning a remarkable sixth Super Bowl title seem like the most Tom Brady thing to do?

Then again…

Brady technically still has time to shoot for seven.