Tom Brady changed coaches. He changed conferences. He changed cities. He changed climates. In his tornado of an off-season, he also celebrated a birthday. In August, he turned 43.
At that age, N.F.L. players are playing golf or reconnecting with their families or pursuing business ventures.
What they are not doing is playing in the N.F.L. They are not choosing to sign with downtrodden franchises or shredding defenses or winning three consecutive playoff games on the road.
They are not quarterbacking teams to the Super Bowl.
Except when they do.
Except when Tom Brady does it.