For the first time in his career, Tom Brady missed the entire voluntary offseason workout program leading into mandatory minicamp.
The quarterback explained his decision speaking to the media following the final minicamp session Thursday.
"I mean it's obviously important for everybody," Brady said. "Our coaches do a great job getting us ready. Just some personal reasons for me. But I'm here now and focused on what I need to do, as I always say I am. Like I said, I'm looking forward to this year."
While he didn't say much there, he did give a little more when speaking to USA Today privately afterwards.
The 40-year-old acknowledged things are a bit different now because of his age and family.
"I'm going to be 41 this year," Brady said. "That has its own challenges. You've got to think differently. You've got to prepare differently. Still trying to be the best I can, man. That's why I'm out here."
He added: "I've been here, going on 19 years. We've had a great run of it. Great experience. I love this place. But there are a lot of things that take a backseat to football when it's football season. I've got a wife. I've got kids. And they're not getting any younger. I'm trying to make sure I'm there when they need me there. They're always there when I need them there. So it can't be a one-way street. You know? It's got to go both ways."
The Patriots have their final four OTA sessions next week, which are again voluntary, and it doesn't appear Brady will be attending.
