Will Tom Brady's kids follow in his footsteps? He won't stop them

Feb 4, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and his son during the Super Bowl XLIX-New England Patriots Parade. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Tom Brady won't stop his kids from doing 'whatever they want to do.' Greg M. Cooper USA TODAY Sports

Tom Brady will go down as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history when it's all said and done. With more than 20 years of football under his belt, he obviously knows what comes with playing the game.

With that said, Brady says he won't be one of the many parents that won't let their kids play football. It'll be up to them whether or not they want to follow in his footsteps.

"Whatever they want to do, that's what they'll do," Brady said on Dennis and Callahan, via Boston.com. "And I'll do my best to support the things they love. I've found things I love."

That's not to say he won't be nervous if his eight-year-old son John does decide to play football.

"I'm sure I'll be very, very nervous," Brady said.

Like many parents, Brady is aware of the physicality problems that concern some. Football is a very physical game and leads to injuries, but preparation is as important as anything to Brady.

"Well, I think that there's a certain part of football -- contact sports I would say in general -- that I really endorse," he said. "When you have to make a commitment like we make as football players to your health and well-being, there's a certain discipline that comes with that in your life in general.

"If you don't prepare, you pay the price physically," Brady said. "It's your body. You only have one body. ... Everything takes a toll if you don't commit yourself the right way."

If Brady's kids do decide to play football, it sounds like they'll need to work on their endurance. Brady said he sees his kids in the stands during his games and wonders if they're the ones that played.

"It looks like they played the game," he said.

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