Tom Brady reacts with cryptic message to those claiming he will opt out of his FOX contract this year

Tom Brady potentially hit back at critics claiming he won't finish his contract with FOX Sports with a cryptic message as the 47-year-old ex-New England Patriot turns his attention to Super Bowl LIX.

Regarded as the best footballer of all-time, the legendary quarterback pivoted to punditry when he penned a 10-year $337.5 million deal with the network to provide analysis of the games, particularly the QBs on the field.

But Richard Deitsch and The Athletic's Andrew Marchand believe that he won't actually be there to see out the money, adding that his separate business ventures may eventually draw him away.

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And that has already threatened to happen once in his rookie season on TV when he bought five percent of the Las Vegas Raiders, although his shares were eventually unanimously approved.

Theoretically, he shouldn't have been allowed to retain his media role, but he and the NFL came to an agreement that he could as long as he obeyed key conditions such as not criticizing referees.

However, the seven-time Super Bowl champion may have just sent a message to Deitsch and Marchand and anyone else claiming he doesn't have what it takes to see out his time on the airwaves.

"No days off," Brady posted to Instagram with a photo of him hitting the gym, showing his determination and work ethic to push himself and that strive to improve his game haven't gone anywhere.

Brady prepares for Super Bowl LIX

Tom Brady has already confirmed he will be working Super Bowl LIX at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on February 9, and characteristically he's taking his dedication to the game one step further than anyone else.

He is partnering with Verizon Fan Fest to launch Super Bowl watch parties across the United States at all 30 NFL stadiums, where fans will be able to gather to watch the game in the venue on the big screens and can enjoy music and food.

Tickets will be available on a first-come-first-served basis and tickets can be booked via the Verizon Fan Fest website.