Tom Brady (Getty Images)Three years after stepping away from football, Tom Brady continues to command the spotlight. As the seven-time Super Bowl champion celebrated his 49th birthday, heartfelt tributes poured in from the NFL, former players, media outlets and fans. Alongside the birthday wishes came a familiar sentiment that Brady's greatness still feels unmatched, with many joking that the legendary quarterback could suit up and outperform several starters across the league.Tom Brady celebrates 49th birthday as NFL world honors the GOATTom Brady marked the occasion with a quiet family celebration aboard a yacht alongside his three children. Sharing photos from the trip on Instagram, the former quarterback joked that he had officially begun his "40s farewell tour" while expressing gratitude for spending the day with those closest to him.While Brady enjoyed a private celebration, the football world made sure his birthday did not go unnoticed.FOX Sports, where Brady now serves as the network's lead NFL analyst, led the tributes by posting:"Happy birthday to the GOAT, @TomBrady 🎂"The NFL followed with its own birthday message, writing:"The 🐐 turns 49 today. Happy Birthday @tombrady!"The reactions reflected the respect Brady continues to receive years after retiring from the game. His influence remains as strong as ever, even without throwing another pass.NFL fans joke Tom Brady could still play todayAmong the flood of birthday messages, several fans mixed admiration with humour by suggesting Brady still has enough ability to start for NFL franchises.One fan joked:"He's 49 and still can start on more than half of these NFL teams bro."Another celebrated Brady's remarkable résumé by posting:"49 years old. 7 rings. Still the standard. 🐐🎉 Happy Birthday, Tom Brady!"Former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson kept his tribute simple, posting only:"🐐"Another fan added:"Happy Birthday To The Greatest To Ever Do It ! @TomBrady🐐🎈"One statistics page also highlighted just how remarkable Brady's longevity was by comparing his victories to struggling franchises."Wins since 2020:32 – Tom Brady (retired in 2023)32 – Panthers32 – Giants28 – Jets"Although shared in jest, the comparison reminded fans of Brady's extraordinary ability to win games deep into his career.Brady entered the NFL as the 199th overall selection in the 2000 NFL Draft, a pick that has since become one of the greatest bargains in professional sports history.Across 23 seasons, he built a résumé few athletes in any sport can match. He captured seven Super Bowl titles, including six with the New England Patriots and another with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also retired with five Super Bowl MVP awards, three NFL MVP trophies and held the NFL's all-time records for passing yards and passing touchdowns.He left a legacy that went beyond titles. Brady was the face of one of the greatest dynasties in league history in New England. His first season with the franchise in Tampa Bay brought him an immediate Super Bowl championship and further solidified his legacy.For rival fan bases, Brady was heartbreak, ending playoff dreams and hoisting another Lombardi Trophy. But even many who have spent years cheering against him now openly celebrate his achievements.Brady is 49 now and not leading fourth-quarter comebacks on Sundays anymore, but the respect for his career is as strong as ever.Judging by the birthday reactions, fans still see him as the benchmark every quarterback is measured against, and for many across the NFL, the title of greatest of all time remains undisputed.