Anyone and everyone in media is searching for the ultimate indicator; the ultimate sign, if you will, that officially tips off Tom Brady's return to football.

Apparently, it's come down to a jug of water.

NFL Network's NFL Insider Ian Rapoport went on The Rich Eisen Show Monday and was asked about his thoughts on Brady's potential return to the game he loves. Rapoport then proceeded with an interesting reply.

"This is like, so dumb," Rapoport chuckled. "But this is way somebody who knows Brady very well described it to me. I guess Brady walks around with a jug of water all the time, right? To make sure that he's fully hydrated.

"And I made the joke to someone who knows him very well and who's known him forever. I go, 'I guess we can retire the jug?', and this person looked at me like was I crazy and was like, 'Oh no. He's still got the jug, he's still in shape, he's still eating well and doing the TB12 method or whatever. And he's still keeping himself hydrated – in case. He's still doing all the things he would do in case he wanted to return."

You can tell Rapoport think's it's silly and it is funny when you think about it. A jug. A jug of water and Brady's diet plan is what fuels the never-dying theories of Brady's return.

There is one reason why Brady could be doing all of that, however: the dude is a health nut.

Plus, he's been doing this basically his entire life. Why on earth would he stop now?

Although it would be wild to watch him just let himself loose and tear into the debauchery that is the gluttonous lifestyle.

And of course, Rapoport had to follow it up with a cliffhanger, just as Brady as literally done every time he's spoken since retirement.

"I don't know if he's going to come back. I know it's at least possible and I don't know where the level of possible is, but it's at least possible… It's like these guys want to keep the door open."

There's little doubt there's a possibility he comes back. Many believe Brady should've won MVP last year instead of Aaron Rodgers. And there's plenty of evidence to back that up. The key factor that makes it even worth talking about is the possibility of the possibility: how possible is it?

And who knows, maybe Brady is just waiting to see what Tampa Bay does in free agency and the draft. They have some major decisions to make. But at the same time, wouldn't they be easier to make knowing Brady is around for good? I mean, his presence did allow the Buccaneers to return all 22 starters after their Super Bowl run, which is the first time that's happened in the salary cap era.

It's simply more conjecture and more speculation. As is everything with Brady right now. But, at least Rapoport squashed some speculation. Even if it's considered anecdotal.

"I've seen all the rumors and I've seen the kind of reporting about Brady wanting to be in San Francisco," said Rapoport. "I have not personally corroborated any of that. Maybe my sources aren't as good. I've just had no one tell me that he wants to play for San Fran."

You can watch the full interview with Rapoport, here.

Featured image via-Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sport