Tom Brady’s latest message to fans has sparked a new round of speculation about his high-profile divorce from Gisele Bundchen, reigniting old questions about family, career, and what it really means to provide.
The former NFL quarterback, who retired for good in 2023 after two decades at the top of his game and is now a co-owner of Las Vegas Raiders, recently published a newsletter reflecting on fatherhood, work, and the choices that shaped his life.
Tom Brady sends a subtle message to the new generation of quarterbacks in the NFL
The timing and content of Brady’s letter suggest he is still grappling with the balance between professional ambition and family responsibilities, a topic that was at the heart of his breakup with Bundchen after 13 years of marriage.
The pair officially separated in October 2023, months after Brady made the controversial decision to reverse his initial retirement and return for one last season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In his letter, Brady wrote, “I think part of being a great father is being a great example of doing what it takes to take care of your family. I chose to do it by playing football.”
He went on, “My dedication to the sport, the hours of practice, the moments when I was laser focused, those were times when I believe I was doing the best possible thing for my family and my kids…
“By prioritizing my profession and teaching, by example, what it takes to be really good at your job, what it takes to follow through on commitments, what it takes to be a great teammate; and showing them, also by example, that work is a big part of all of our lives.”
Balancing ambition and family
For years, Bundchen had been candid about her concerns over Brady’s commitment to football, voicing her desire for him to be more present at home.
Speaking to Elle magazine in 2022, she said, “Obviously, I have my concerns, this is a very violent sport, and I have my children and I would like him to be more present.”
Bundchen explained that she wanted her husband to follow his own joy, but also hoped he would choose family more often.
Brady’s message appears to address these concerns indirectly, making the case that his career was a key way he sought to provide and be a role model.
“Reading bedtime stories and helping them with homework are not the only ways to be a great parent. And neither is winning Super Bowls or MVPs,” he wrote.
“Being a great football player didn’t make me a great dad, but how I became a great player certainly had an impact, from showing up day in and day out, to doing whatever it took to get better, be successful, be a role model, and to provide.”
The couple’s split became official in the fall of 2023, but public conversations about the reasons for the breakup have lingered.
Bundchen, for her part, said in a Vanity Fair interview, “If there’s one person I want to be the happiest in the world, it’s him, believe me. I want him to achieve and to conquer. I want all his dreams to come true.”
Brady, meanwhile, acknowledged the difficulties that came with balancing work and family.
“You won’t be perfect. Nobody is. You will fail and disappoint people along the way. But if you stay committed to your goals over time, even when your priorities shift (which they do at times), then you can be confident that you are living a life of integrity and purpose,” he wrote.
Life after football and in the public eye
Since retiring, Brady has taken up a role as an NFL analyst for Fox, signing a lucrative deal reportedly worth $375 million.
He continues to co-parent his three children, Benjamin and Vivian with Bundchen, and Jack with ex-partner Bridget Moynahan.
Both Brady and Bundchen have faced renewed public scrutiny, especially after a recent Netflix roast targeted their divorce and Bundchen’s new relationship, prompting Brady to reflect publicly on how such events affect their children.
Despite their differences, both Brady and Bundchen continue to publicly support one another as they move into new chapters.
Bundchen told Vanity Fair she will “always cheer for him,” while Brady remains focused on setting a positive example for his children, both through his words and his actions.
In his latest letter, Brady leaves readers with a message that resonates well beyond the football field: “Your actions reflect your priorities. That’s what you need to live up to every day.”
