Steven Senne/Associated Press

The AFC East may have to deal with Tom Brady for many years to come.

"I want to play for a long time, maybe 10 more (years)," the New England Patriots starting quarterback revealed on a conference call with New York reporters Wednesday, per Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald.

Reporters pressed him on playing for 10 more years, and Brady offered more insight into his thought process.

"It's not always up to me; that's what my goals are," Brady said, via Dom Cosentino of NJ.com. "That's just what I'm hoping. It'll take a lot to achieve that. Obviously, a team has to want you. I love playing this sport. I love making the commitment to my teammates and my coaches, and hopefully I can go for a long time."

Brady previously denied a desire to play for another decade, per Howe:

Even at the age of 38, Brady has shown no signs of slowing down, throwing for 1,699 yards (fifth in the NFL), 14 touchdowns (tied for second) and just one interception. His 340 passing yards per game are topped only by the San Diego Chargers' Philip Rivers (353), and the Patriots currently sit atop the AFC East with a 5-0 record.

Doug Kyed of NESN.com looked at a few QBs from the past who played well into their 40s: "George Blanda played until he was 48 years old, so it’s not completely out of the realm of possibility that Brady could play as long. Quarterbacks Warren Moon, Vinny Testaverde and Steve DeBerg played until they were 44 years old."



Still, while Brady looks as though he has several good years left, the end can come pretty quickly for players nearing the age of 40. Peyton Manning has appeared to hit a wall at the age of 39, as his arm strength has diminished, and the Denver Broncos have suffered on offense.

While Brady still has plenty of zip on his passes, it's hard to imagine him continuing to play at an elite level for the next decade. The New York Jets, Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins, at least, will be hoping Brady's body won't be able to hold up over the 10 additional years he appears to have his mind set on playing.