Former New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms still could have played even after the Giants decided to move on from him in 1993.
But rather than play for another franchise, Simms decided he would retire (via Darryl Slater of NJ.com):
But whenever the NFL returns, Simms will be here in New Jersey, where he decided to stay. After the Giants released him, following the 1993 season, he considered joining the Browns or Cardinals. But his family wanted to stay here.
“That was the main reason why I didn’t go,” he said. “Looking back, I kind of go, ‘OK, if I had kept playing for another year or two, maybe my body would’ve taken a few too many hits.’ So I’m lucky that I feel good.”
This marks a departure from Tom Brady, who signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after spending the first 20 years of his career with the New England Patriots.
But Simms and Brady differ in a number of ways. For starters, Simms dealt with a ton of injuries throughout his career. Brady, on the other hand, has kept himself in remarkable shape and shown outstanding durability.
Secondly, Brady is arguably the most competitive football player to ever step foot on the gridiron. Remember, this is a former sixth-round pick who turned a once-dormant franchise into a perennial winner en route to Six Super Bowls.
Few players in NFL history have ever been as determined or hungry as Brady, which is why it is not unfathomable to envision him still playing at 45 years old.
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