Monday 5 February 2018 15:19, UK
Tom Brady insists he intends to continue playing next season, but the New England Patriots quarterback could be without star tight end Rob Gronkowski, who admitted following the 41-33 Super Bowl defeat to Philadelphia that he may have played his last game in the NFL.
The NFL's greatest dynasty of the last two decades had shown signs of breaking up before their loss to the Eagles in Minneapolis, with reports of a rift between Brady, coach Bill Belichick and owner Robert Kraft.
The Patriots were quick to deny such problems throughout post-season and for his part Brady, 40, says he is keen to continue at Gillette Stadium.
Speaking after Sunday's game, the league's MVP said: "I expect to be back. It's 15 minutes after the game ended, so I would like to process this. I don't see why I wouldn't be back."
Pressed later about whether he intended to return, he added: "I certainly hope so."
Brady led the NFL this season with 4,577 passing yards, 36 passing touchdowns and a 111.0 passer rating.
Should he return, Brady is likely to have to adjust to an entirely new coaching set up as offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, with whom Brady has forged a close relationship, is expected to leave in the summer to pursue a head coaching job with the Indianapolis Colts.
Meanwhile, the loss of one of Brady's favoured targets in Gronkowski would leave a big hole in the Patriots' receiving corps.
Gronkowski, 28, was badly shaken by a concussion in January against Jacksonville, an incident which added to a laundry list of injuries he has suffered during his career.
Asked about the rumours suggesting he may retire, Gronkowski said: "I don't know how you heard that, but I'm definitely going to look at my future for sure.
"I'm going to sit down in the next couple of weeks and see where I'm at."
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