Do the math

Meanwhile, three days before Super Bowl LII, Brady faces a challenge that has nothing to do with the Eagles.

The five-time Super Bowl champion quarterback has a math problem.

With the game in Minnesota - where Brady's mom hails from and several other relatives reside - he's received more game-day ticket requests than ever before.

"It's very special. Every time I've been back to Minnesota, I've had such great support from my family," Brady said on Thursday.

"I'm trying to accommodate everybody. Some of my greatest memories as a kid were coming here and hanging out, milking cows with my grandpa ... shooting his .22 in the backyard, catching sunfish with my uncle."

But Brady said he'll be completely dialed in by the time he's handed the ball against the Eagles on Sunday.

"This isn't a week for me to go out and do much else other than football," Brady said, noting he has changed the way he prepares in this his eighth Super Bowl appearance.

"I definitely think it's different than even a few years ago. I'm much more efficient. I know what I need to do in order to get myself mentally prepared.

"Now, I don't think there are any wasted moments in the day. I spend a lot of time watching film. If it's physical, I know how to prepare myself."

Brady referred to the Eagles as the best team New England has faced all season. The Pats were on the practice field earlier in the day and had a final workout scheduled for Friday.

Brady was gloveless in practice and did not cover his right hand at the media conference.

The look was a departure for Brady, who has covered his throwing hand since sustaining a laceration four days before the AFC Championship Game. The injury required 12 stitches.

Brady said he was "just trying to protect it the best way I can. It's obviously an important part of my body as a quarterback." One topic he hasn't spent energy on this week is the notion he might soon retire.

"Why does everyone want me to retire so bad? I don't get it. I'm still having a lot of fun," he said.

"The team's winning. I know I'm a little bit older than most of the guys. This has been obviously a dream come true many times over.

"I've always wanted to play to my mid-40s. We'll see.

"This is such a physical sport. Every game could be your last game."

Associated Press