Tom Brady backs Aaron Rodgers 'darkness retreat' amid criticism

Tom Brady has backed the upcoming four-day "darkness retreat" that Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers plans to complete before making a decision about his playing future. 

"And you know what, I think we all need to get off our phone a little bit more," Brady told broadcaster Jim Gray during Monday's edition of the "Let's Go!" SiriusXM show and podcast, per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. "I think we all need to get away from the TV a little bit more. I think we all need a little more nature and a little more silence and a little more peace. And however he’s going about it, good for him." 

Brady made his comments less than 24 hours after NBC Sports' Peter King mentioned in his latest "Football Morning in America" column that "a few league or team people" suggested Rodgers' latest off-the-field activities showed he "might be more trouble than he's worth." 

It sounds like the seven-time Super Bowl champion disagrees with that take. 

"Everyone’s got their unique way to process the season," Brady continued during his comments. "It’s very intense for all of us and everyone gets to choose what they want to do." 

Following the darkness period that hasn't yet begun, Rodgers could choose to spend at least one more season as Green Bay's QB1, pursue a trade to a different destination, or follow Brady and ride off into the sunset. 

Brady made it clear he doesn't want to see Rodgers retire just yet. 

"I think the league needs good quarterbacks and he’s one of the greats," Brady added about Rodgers. "So if he retires it’ll be a sad day for the league." 

ESPN's Jenna Laine pointed out ahead of this past weekend that Brady currently is on track to headline the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2028. 

Perhaps the 45-year-old really does want to watch Rodgers play more football next fall, or maybe TB12 doesn't wish to share the Hall of Fame stage with another all-time great signal-caller five years down the road.