It turns out Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady had been dealing with this most recent knee injury for quite some time.

Brady underwent offseason surgery to repair a knee issue, one he later admitted was “very serious” as well as being the first procedure he had in 12 years. What wasn't known, though, is the Buccaneers signal-caller has had to manage the injury since last spring.

Brady revealed Wednesday the knee has bothered him since “last April-May,” adding he knew he would “have to do something at the end of the year.”

So, Brady essentially went through all of camp and played the entirety of the 2020 season on a bum knee, yet still led the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl.

This might result in fines for the Buccaneers given Brady was never on the injury report. For now, though, add it to the “GOAT” resume.

One can't help but wonder what a fully healthy Brady might be able to achieve in his second season with the Buccaneers. It's also worth asking whether the knee issue caused some of the earl-season issues Brady experienced throwing the deep ball.

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Regardless, the Buccaneers will be a top favorite to repeat as champions in 2021.

Tampa Bay returns all 22 starters from last year's Super Bowl squad. Brady has a full season with Bruce Arians under his belt, with Arians now learning the ins and outs of having Brady under center. Not to mention, the seven-time Super Bowl champion now has a clean bill of health.

Brady has been remarkably healthy for the majority of his career. Yet, even when he did suffer a physical setback, he still found a way to win. The legend grows.