Even at the advanced age of 45, NFL superstar Tom Brady still feels ready for top performance.
“I’m fit and in good shape, it doesn’t feel like work. I never thought I’d still play at that age,” said the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback ahead of today’s game against the Seattle Seahawks (3:30 p.m./ ProSieben and DAZN) in Munich.
Brady announced his resignation in mid-March after just 40 days and announced that he would play another season with the Bucs in the American professional football league NFL. “I don’t regret anything. I just wanted to continue to compete with others and I love the competition,” said Brady, who is looking forward to his appearance in front of 67,000 fans in the Allianz Arena: “It feels like more than a normal main round game”.
NFL boss raves about the football atmosphere in Munich
The atmosphere before the NFL game in Munich also impressed league boss Roger Goodell. “The huge anticipation can be felt throughout the city. It’s unbelievable what’s going on here. It’s the right time for this game in Munich,” said the 63-year-old at a fan meeting. Days before the game, numerous football fans were out and about in downtown Munich. Brewhouses have been repurposed as NFL pubs.
The Bavarian state capital prevailed against Düsseldorf and Frankfurt in the race for the German premiere. “Also because the Allianz Arena is a unique stadium and offers an optimal stage for sport,” said Goodell. In addition, the passion of the people of Munich for US sports is unbelievable. “We felt that NFL could be very successful here. And I think we were right.”
According to the league, the rush for tickets for the first NFL game in Germany was huge. Around three million tickets could have been sold. Around 67,000 people will follow the game live in the stadium, and thousands are expected to attend the public viewing in Munich’s Audi Dome. “It will be a great atmosphere. I hope that we can build on that in Germany in the future,” said Goodell.
Seahawks quarterback sees himself as a ‘sports ambassador’
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith is hoping to win new football fans with the NFL game in Munich. “We are ambassadors of sport. International games are important to get children and young people excited about football,” said the 32-year-old playmaker.
In the sold-out FC Bayern Munich stadium, the American is particularly looking forward to “loud and crazy” NFL fans. “I know there’s a big football community in Germany and we want to give it a good show,” said Smith ahead of his first international game. “I’m very excited and I want to enjoy every moment here.”
