Tom Brady admitted he is still learning ‘how to be present’ with his children after the seven-time Super Bowl champion retired from the NFL earlier this offseason.
Back in February, Brady announced his retirement from the NFL after a 23-year career with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His decision came following a torrid 2022 campaign in which he suffered the collapse of his personal life.
Brady and Bundchen divorced in October 2022 after 13 years of marriage following the former quarterback’s decision to un-retire and play one more season in the NFL. The couple had started dating in December 2006 and were married in February 2009.
Since retiring, Brady has spent time with his children, Jack - from his previous relationship with actor and model Bridget Moynahan - as well as Benjamin and Vivian. He paid homage and expressed his gratitude to his own father Tom Brady Sr. as well as his children.
“On this Father’s Day, all I can think of is how grateful I am to have been raised by the world’s best Dad, and to now have three beautiful angels of my own who I have the joy of watching grow up,” Brady wrote in an Instagram post on Sunday. “Being a Dad is the best thing in my life.
“I have learned so much about what it takes from my Dad and to be able to pass that on to Jack, Benny and Vivi means the world to me. They have taught me how to be present (still working on this daily) and cherish every moment (mostly) that we have as a family, because that’s what matters most. Their love for others and constant selflessness makes me so proud to be their dad, and I know those traits come directly from everyone who is part of their life.
“Thank you Dad, for being you, and thank you to my three amazing kids, for giving me the pleasure of being your Dad.”
The phrasing used in Brady’s post turned some heads given comments made by Bundchen during an interview with Elle Magazine in March 2020. She noted she would have liked the four-time MVP to be ‘more present’ in family life as he continued to elongate his illustrious NFL career.
The 45-year-old has posted a number of images to social media to showcase the time he is spending with his kids now he is no longer dedicated his life and time to the NFL. Brady is reportedly planning on taking them on a trip to Europe this summer.
Brady retired from the NFL after 23 seasons, four MVPs and seven Super Bowl titles following a dismal season which saw his Tampa Bay Buccaneers immediately eliminated from the playoffs at the hands of the Dallas Cowboys. Meanwhile, Bundchen has relaunched her modelling career and the pair remain on good terms.
Brady is preparing for the next chapter of his life where he will enter the commentary booth with FOX Sports after signing a blockbuster deal with the broadcaster last year. The network signed a 10-year contract worth $375 million (£306m) when he made his original retirement over 12 months ago. Earlier this year Brady also revealed his intention to become a minority investor in the Las Vegas Raiders.
Brady has reportedly informed the broadcaster he will get to work in the booth in the 2024 season, giving himself a year away from the game to get used to retirement. He is clearly still acclimatising to his new chapter, and his Father’s Day admission suggests Brady is somewhat finding his feet.
