New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady hopes to play football even until he turns 48 years old.

Brady, who led the Patriots to four Super Bowl championship titles, still wants to continue 10 more years of his life as an NFL athlete, NJ.com reported.

"Maybe 10 more years," the 38-year-old quarterback said in a press conference call, replying to how much longer he will stay as an active player in the league.

Although it may be unimaginable, perhaps, even ridiculous, to see a 48-year-old ball passer on the field with some young guys, it is not totally unheard of. George Blanda of the Oakland Raiders actually accomplished that feat and retired at the age of 48, Pro Football Hall of Fame noted. Blanda remained the oldest football player to have ever played.

There were several quarterbacks who got to play until past the age of 40, including those who retired at the age of 44, namely, Steve DeBerg of the Atlanta Falcons, Warren Moon of the Kansas City Chiefs and Vinny Testaverde of the Carolina Panthers. The fifth oldest quarterback in the game was Patriots' very own Doug Flutie, who reportedly stepped away from football in 2005 at the age of 43.

Photos of these legendary quarterbacks and their accomplishments are featured on Cheat Sheet.

No one knows what will happen in the future, but it is clear how Brady loves this sport and how much longer he is willing to devote his energy for it. Yet, the California-born athlete is also realistic that it is not entirely his call, as he should also satisfy what a team is looking for in a player, especially at that age.

"It's not always up to me; that's what my goals are. 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," the University of Michigan alumnus said.

The Patriots' gem, who was only a sixth-round pick in 2000, per ESPN stats, opened up about this dream last year on the "Dennis & Callahan" radio show, and he was truly aware how much he needed to commit to achieve a long career, noted WEEI.com.

"If I want to do it for a long time I have to do things differently than the way that guys have always done it...so strength training and conditioning, how I really treat my body, it's important to me. Because there's really nothing else that I enjoy like playing football," the last season's Super Bowl MVP said.

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