American football legend Tom Brady enjoyed a heartfelt Thanksgiving holiday surrounded by his family, including the children he shares with his former wife, supermodel Gisele Bündchen. The 48-year-old quarterback posted a series of personal photos to his Instagram account, showcasing a weekend of togetherness in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
A Special Thanksgiving Reunion
The first image in Brady's gallery featured him with his 10-year-old daughter, Vivian, on the field at the University of Michigan's iconic 'Big House' stadium. Brady, an alumnus of the university, had earlier worked as an analyst for the Green Bay Packers versus Detroit Lions game on Thanksgiving Day before the family celebrations began.
"What a special thanksgiving weekend with the people I love most!" Brady captioned the post. "Laughing, playing, eating too much... and enjoying our family and football and tradition in the state of Michigan."
Other photos included the seven-time Super Bowl champion with his sons, Benjamin and Jack, as well as his niece, Hannah, who is a volleyball player at the University of Michigan. The gathering appeared to be a significant family reunion following Brady's divorce from Bündchen in October 2022 after 13 years of marriage.
Reflections on Fatherhood and Career
The divorce followed a period of reported tension, notably after Brady reversed his decision to retire from the NFL in 2022. Bündchen had publicly expressed her desire for him to be more present for their family and had concerns about the physical toll of the sport.
In a newsletter published in July 2024, Brady addressed his perspective, framing his professional dedication as a core part of his approach to fatherhood. "I think part of being a great father is being a great example of doing what it takes to take care of your family," Brady wrote. "I chose to do it by playing football."
He elaborated that the discipline and commitment required for his career were lessons he aimed to impart to his children. Brady shares son Benjamin and daughter Vivian with Bündchen, and has an older son, Jack, from a previous relationship with actress Bridget Moynahan.
Moving Forward with Mutual Respect
Despite the split, both parties have spoken respectfully of each other. In a March 2023 interview with Vanity Fair, Bündchen stated, "If there’s one person I want to be the happiest in the world, it’s him, believe me." She affirmed she would always cheer for his success.
However, the aftermath included some difficult moments, such as jokes made at Brady's expense during a Netflix comedy roast in 2024 about Bündchen's new relationship with jiu-jitsu instructor Joaquim Valente. Brady later expressed regret over the impact of those jokes on his children.
Since his final retirement from playing in 2023, Brady has embarked on a new chapter as an NFL analyst for Fox Sports, having signed a monumental 10-year, $375 million deal. The Thanksgiving photos suggest a continued focus on family as he navigates his post-playing career and life after his high-profile marriage.
