Brady 'absolutely' believes he will return for 2019, beyond

Although Tom Brady has helped lead the New England Patriots to 16 straight seasons with 10 or more wins, the quarterback has shown uncharacteristic signs of vulnerability this year.

The 41-year-old is set to produce by far his worst passer-rating mark (95.4) over the past four seasons and his 25 touchdown passes are the fewest he's thrown since the 2013 campaign. However, despite his statistical decline, Brady has no intentions of altering his plans to play well into his 40s.

"I absolutely believe I will (come back next season)," Brady said during an appearance on Westwood One Sports, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN. "I know I've talked about it for a long time. I have goals to play not only next year but beyond that. I'm going to try to do as best (as) I possibly can."

While New England has looked far from dominant this season, the team is still in prime position for a first-round bye after the Houston Texans' upset loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Some have speculated that another championship run for Brady would tempt him to hang up his cleats, but the five-time Super Bowl winner said he's lost none of his fire to compete.

"I've been able to be in a career for 19 years that I love. I wake up every day excited to go to work ... fulfilled ... I don't think there's any greater gift in my life than to have that … In my heart and soul, I love playing the sport of football."