New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady confirmed his plans to play in the 2018 season and also reiterated his goal to prolong his career into his mid-40s during an appearance Monday at the Milken Institute Global Conference, per Mike Reiss of ESPN.

Following speculation about Brady still not committing for the upcoming season and keeping the door open on possible retirement, Brady’s agent, Don Yee, echoed the same sentiments last week that Brady still intended to keep playing on into his 40s.

Brady, who has opted not to take part in the team’s offseason program, explained why he’s taking a different approach to his preparation this offseason.

“Part of this offseason for me is certainly about still preparing for what's ahead in my next journey, my next mountain to climb with this group of teammates, but it's also [acknowledging] that a lot of people are getting the short end of the stick in my life — certainly my wife and my kids,” Brady said in an hourlong conversation with moderator Jim Gray.

Brady also reiterated his goal to play into his mid-40s, stating that he still has personal goals he wants to reach. He credits his TB12 Training Method, which he developed with body coach, for helping keep him performing as well as he has even into his 40s.

Brady’s confirmed return will be welcome news for the Patriots, who only have two other quarterbacks currently on the roster aside from Brady: veteran Brian Hoyer and incoming rookie Danny Etling. Etling, who was picked in the seventh round, was the only quarterback the Pats picked in the draft despite much speculation that they would trade up to take one of the top QB prospects.