Tom Brady is expected to have surgery in the next two weeks to repair a sports hernia, a Boston-area newspaper reported Thursday.
The MetroWest Daily News of Framingham, Mass., citing an unnamed source with knowledge of the situation, said the New England Patriots quarterback played half of the season with the injury.
The hernia did not keep Brady from practicing or playing, but might have factored into passes that sailed high on him during the season, the newspaper reported.
Brady had one of his best seasons as a pro in 2005, throwing for 3,922 yards with 26 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He led the Patriots to the AFC East title and a first-round playoff win over Jacksonville before New England was eliminated from the playoffs by Denver -- Brady's first-ever playoff loss.
Patriots linebacker Willie McGinest said he was aware Brady was dealing with an injury.
"I didn't know how severe it was, but I knew it was bothering him. But you have guys who play with all types of injuries across the league and on our team," he told the newspaper. "Being the kind of competitor he is, he wasn't going to let it slow him down."