It's been six years since Deflategate began and just roughly five since the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit rejected Tom Brady's appeal of his four-game suspension and it became official.
At his state of the league press conference in Tampa Bay Thursday, Roger Goodell, who ultimately suspended Brady for his role, was asked about his relationship with the now Tampa Bay quarterback and if suspending him was the right thing to do.
The NFL commissioner dodged the question, but did praise Brady.
“Tom Brady has shown that he’s probably the greatest player to ever play this game,” Goodell said. “His ability to rise to the big occasions, and make everybody rise around him. That’s what’s absolutely incredible to me. Everyone just plays better when they’re with him. And so, he’s an exceptional talent, but more importantly, he’s one of the great guys.
“I’ve known him for probably 15 years. He’s an extraordinary guy. He’s real, and he cares about this game, deeply. He cares about people involved with the game, so for me, I wish him well. I think he’s going to continue to be a great performer. I’m glad to hear he’s going to play a few more years.”
Brady will be playing in his 10th Super Bowl on Sunday against the Chiefs.