A poignant and emotional clip of legendary NFL quarterback Tom Brady fighting back tears while discussing his role as a father has resurfaced online, capturing significant attention on social media.
The Emotional Confession
In a 2022 interview with ESPN, which aired months before his high-profile split from supermodel Gisele Bundchen in October of that year, Brady became visibly moved while comparing his parenting to that of his own father, Tom Brady Sr. The 48-year-old athlete, who has three children from his relationships with ex-wife Bundchen and former girlfriend Bridget Moynahan, conceded he falls short of the example set by his dad.
'When I think about being a dad, I think about him because of what my dad meant to me,' Brady said in the now-viral video. 'And I know I'm not as good a dad to my kids that my dad's been to me.' He described his father as his example for 'how to keep a family together, and to care and to support and to love.'
The Torment of Professional Sport
Brady, who had just finished his penultimate NFL season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, went on to suggest that the immense demands of his record-breaking career, which includes seven Super Bowl wins, impacted his ability to offer his children the same level of attention. He expressed a deep conflict, stating he felt a 'torment' he did not wish upon his kids, 18-year-old Jack, 15-year-old Benjamin, and 12-year-old Vivian.
'I want them to experience great success in whatever they do, but there's a torment about me that I don't wish upon them,' the football icon added during the heartfelt conversation.
Post-Split Tensions and Differing Views
The resurfaced clip comes amid reports of ongoing tension with his ex-wife Gisele Bundchen, with whom he co-parents Benjamin and Vivian. Earlier this year, a report from the National Inquirer claimed Bundchen was left 'infuriated' after Brady appeared to take a 'petty' shot at her parenting skills in a newsletter to his fans.
In the newsletter, Brady appeared to defend his decision to un-retire and continue his NFL career, a point of documented contention during their marriage. 'I think part of being a great father is being a great example of doing what it takes to take care of your family,' he wrote. 'I chose to do it by playing football.'
He elaborated that his dedication to the sport, including the long hours and intense focus, was his way of prioritising his family and teaching his children by example about commitment and professionalism.
According to the report, these remarks backfired, with an insider stating that Gisele was 'ready to hit back hard' if he continued. The source added, 'Word from Gisele's camp is that she's furious and thinks he's acting bitter and being a nuisance.' The situation highlights the complex and often public challenges of navigating parenting after a high-profile separation.
