Saints' Drew Brees hoping to play until he's 45

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees has stated in the past that he wants to play in his 40s, but the perennial Pro Bowler expanded his goals.

Brees said on Friday that he wants to play until the age if 45 if he can, something that seems almost implausible.  

"I'm not getting ahead myself, like it's a pipe dream, at 45," Brees said via NFL.com. "I understand the challenges that come along with that. But why not? If I can stay healthy, and I'm having fun and playing at a high level, why wouldn't I wanna do that? The biggest challenge is physically, the maintenance, the recovery, the way you train. You gotta hope that you stay healthy, but why not?"

That would mean Brees will have to play for another 10 years. He's missed just two games since 2004, but it's going to be difficult for him to stay healthy as he continues to age.  

For someone who sits fifth all-time in passing yards and owns a Super Bowl ring, what motivates Brees?

"If everything you do, you're trying to win at, and you're pissed if you don't, it becomes your nature," Brees said. "It is my nature. It's hard for me not to do that. And that's what motivates you, and gets you going. I mean, I'm 10 years older than all those quarterbacks, and I'm thinking, 'Am I gonna let this young punk beat me? I'm not gonna let this young punk beat me at anything!'"