Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady apologized Thursday over comments he made earlier in the week where he likened playing in the NFL to "going away on deployment in the military." 

During his weekly press conference with reporters, Brady opened up before taking questions by addressing comments he made on Monday's episode of the "Let’s Go!" podcast. 

Tom Brady laterals the ball

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady laterals to running back Leonard Fournette during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Sunday. (AP Photo/Don Wright)

"Before we start, can I say one thing? Earlier this week I made a statement about playing football and the military and it was a very poor choice of words. And I just want to express that to any sentiments out there that people may have taken it in a certain way. I apologize," he said. 

EAGLES’ JASON KELCE NOT A FAN OF QUARTERBACK RANTS: ‘GET THE F--- UP OUT OF MY FACE!’

During the episode, Brady was joined by Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant, who began to speak about the difficulties of playing at an elite level and balancing life off the court/field.

"I almost look at like a football season like you’re going away on deployment in the military," Brady interjected. "And it’s like, ‘Man, here I go again.’ And there’s only one way to do it." 

Tom Brady looks on

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady works out before a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, on Oct. 9, 2022. (Kim Klement-USA Today Sports)

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

He continued: "Whatever you may say — ‘Oh, man, I want to make sure I spend a little more time doing this during the season' — the reality is when it comes down to it, your competitiveness takes over and as much as you want to have this playful balance with the work balance, you’re going to end up doing exactly what you’ve always done."

Brady declined to elaborate when asked by a reporter about what he meant when comparing the two.

"To be honest, I don’t really want to expand on it too much," he said. "I have a tremendous amount of gratitude to everyone who served. In the end, we play a game, and the military is defending our country. It’s two different things and I shouldn’t have made the comparison."

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen at the 2021 Super Bowl

Tom Brady and wife Gisele Bündchen continue to dodge rumors of a potential split as their social media has been noticeably dormant or void of any communication with the other. (Mike Ehrmann)

Brady’s performance has been scrutinized this season as the veteran quarterback’s 23rd season has been surrounded by rumors of a potential split from wife Gisele Bündchen.

His marital issues have been a topic of conversation since he announced he was coming out of a brief retirement to return for a third season with the Bucs. According to reports, the decision has led to tensions between the couple.

Fox News’ Lauryn Overhultz contributed to this report.