New England Patriots

Tom Brady says his kids can do ‘whatever they want’ when it comes to playing football

Tom Brady is seen playing baseball with the kids Stickman/Bauergriffin.com

Sometimes Tom Brady will finish a game for the New England Patriots, glance over at his kids, and realize they look exhausted.

“It looks like they played the game,’’ Brady said on “Dennis and Callahan.’’

Which begs the question: when — if ever — will Brady’s kids play football themselves?

“Whatever they want to do, that’s what they’ll do,’’ said Brady. “And I’ll do my best to support the things they love. I’ve found things I love.’’

Brady eldest son, John is eight years old, and Brady said he isn’t fully into the game yet. So don’t start filming the “Book of Brady’’ yet.

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Brady imagined watching his son play, and said, “I’m sure I’ll be very, very nervous.’’

A number of athletes — particularly quarterbacks like Troy Aikman, Brett Favre, Drew Brees and Kurt Warner — have expressed some hesitancy about letting their kids play the sport. Terry Bradshaw said if he had a son, he “would not let him play football.’’ Brady, however, sees value in the lessons football teaches its players.

“Well, I think that there’s a certain part of football — contact sports I would say in general — that I really endorse,’’ he said. “When you have to make a commitment like we make as football players to your health and well-being, there’s a certain discipline that comes with that in your life in general.’’

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Brady explained that there’s no physical accountability for mistakes in non-contact sports like baseball.

A pitcher who allows a home run doesn’t get slammed to the turf like a quarterback might if he reads a defense incorrectly.

“If you don’t prepare, you pay the price physically,’’ Brady said. “It’s your body — you only have one body. … Everything takes a toll if you don’t commit yourself the right way.’’

If they play, they should take after their father, who has become one of the best-prepared players in the NFL.

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