Maybe the secret to Tom Brady’s unprecedented success and longevity in the NFL is hiding in the University of Michigan equipment room. And if that’s the case, other players in Ann Arbor may go searching for it.

In a recent interview with ESPN, Brady revealed something very unique about his gameday uniform. The six-time Super Bowl champion is actually still sporting the shoulder pads he first acquired as a freshman at Michigan. You can’t see it under the navy blue Patriots jersey, but it’s very much a part of his wardrobe.

“I’ve worn them for 25 years,” Brady told ESPN.

Considering the change in technology and the adjustments made for a safer and better game, it’s interesting that Brady is still trotting onto the NFL field with shoulder pads that are older than a handful of his teammates — including former Michigan defensive lineman Chase Winovich.

And when asked why he still has those 25-year-old shoulder pads, Brady’s response was pretty simple.

“Once you find something you like, you stick with it,” he said.

It’s a unique story, and one you won’t find anywhere is in football. Which is fitting, because Brady is pretty unique, unlike anything we’ve seen in football.

When Brady does finally decide to retire, perhaps those shoulder pads deserve a place in the Hall of Fame, right next to Brady’s name and bust.