Tom Bradyis tackling some hard truths.
The retired quarterback, who spent 20 seasons playing for the New England Patriots before transferring to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020, recently confessed that his relationship with former Patriots coach Bill Belichickwas part of the reason for his departure.
“The reality was, after twenty years together, a natural tension had developed between where Coach Belichick and I were headed in our careers,” Tom wrote in the March 24 edition of his 199 newsletter, “and where the Patriots were moving as a franchise. It was the kind of tension that could only be resolved by some kind of split or one of us reassessing our priorities.”
Since he felt they weren’t aligned, the seven-time Super Bowl champ—who shares kids Benjamin, 14, and Vivian, 11, with ex-wife Gisele Bündchen, as well as son Jack, 17, with ex Bridget Moynahan—explained he took time to “assess and reassess” his priorities before transferring.
He added, “I asked myself, as someone headed into their forties with school-age kids and twenty years worth of battle scars, what truly mattered to me now?”
Ever the analytical sportsman, Tom created a list of priorities he cared about when it came to his work—aspects like the skill of his teammates, financial compensation and, yes, the head coach of the team.
Of his 2020 decision, he noted, “In the end, I chose Tampa, almost exactly five years ago now, because, in the aggregate, it graded out higher than New England along those twenty or so dimensions. It’s not much more complicated than that.”
Since Tom’s 2023 retirement from both Tampa Bay and the sport of football, Belichick has also left the NFL. Though the 72-year-old isn’t done with the sport (he now leads the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill football team), Tom took a moment to praise his former coach after leaving the Patriots in January 2024.
“I’m incredibly grateful to have played for the best coach in the history of the NFL,” Tom wrote in an Instagram post at the time. “I could never have been the player I was without you Coach Belichick. I am forever grateful.”
Read on to see how Tom has spent time with his kids since retiring from the NFL.
Happy Birthday, Jack
Gisele Bündchen shared this family photo on Instagram on Tom Brady‘s son Jack‘s 14th birthday, writing, “Happy birthday Jack! We are all so lucky to have you in our lives. Thank you for being the best big brother in the world. We love you soooo much!”
Celebrate Good Times
While wearing his Christopher Cloos x Brady sunglasses, Tom celebrates his Super Bowl win with daughter Vivian during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers boat parade.
V for Victory
After winning his seventh Super Bowl, the Tampa Bay quarterback celebrated with his daughter Vivian.
Family Man
Tom snuggled with his kids John “Jack” Moynahan (with ex Bridget Moynahan), Vivian and Benjamin in this adorable photo snapped by Gisele on Father’s Day.
Quarterback In Training
Brady went from quarterback to coach with his son on the beach, writing on Instagram that he’s “#dadsfavoriteworkoutpartner.”
XOXO
Gisele shared this adorable photo on Instagram of Tom giving his son a kiss on the forehead.
The Whole Team
The whole Brady-bünch posed together at the Mercedes-Benz in Atlanta ahead of the Super Bowl LIII, which the Patriots later won.
Clowning Around
Tom lurked as Pennywise the Dancing Clown in a window behind his family as they celebrate Halloween in 2018.
Daddy’s Little Girl
As Tom geared up for another football season, he stopped to give his daughter a little love and clearly this one has her dad’s full attention.
Horsing Around
In July 2018, the Brady bunch headed out of town for a family vacation and they couldn’t look any happier on their horseback riding adventure.
Goofballs
Tom celebrated Father’s Day with a family dinner and lots of silly photos with his younger son, Ben.
Group Hug
There’s nothing sweeter than seeing the greatest quarterback of all time (he has seven Super Bowl rings) get smothered in love by his three kids.
Chill Dad
Even though it was springtime, Tom bundled up with Ben for a fun day outside…complete with a little training.
Some Bunny Loves You
Tom Brady as the Easter bunny? Who would’ve guessed?!
Familia
The super sweet family was all smiles during one of Brady’s episodes of Tom vs. Time.
Chow Time
After playing in another Super Bowl, Tom took a little break with his family, complete with burger time and selfies.
Win Or Lose
Even though the Patriots lost the 2018 Super Bowl, Tom had his support squad ready and waiting to cheer him up.
Go Pats!
Ahead of Super Bowl LII, the Patriots QB posed for pictures with his whole family including Gisele and oldest son Jack, second-born Ben, and daughter Vivian.
Birthday Boy
The New England Patriots quarterback showed his second oldest son a little love on his birthday in December of 2017, writing, “Happy Birthday to the sweetest 8 year old boy a mom and dad could ever ask for! So filled with love and joy! We are so proud of you Benny! And you shine a light that brightens our lives every day! We love you.”
Baking Buddy
Vivian was the ultimate sous chef as her dad made her biscuits before Thanksgiving and really, what can’t Brady do?
Hammock Life
The dynamic duo of Tom and Ben spent a November day swinging in a hammock together and we really wish we had some R&R like this in our near future.
Wax On, Wax Off
Leave it to Tom to teach his son more than just football.
Summer Fun
The Brady crew rolled around in the grass and enjoyed spending time together in June 2017 and it really does look like they are having a blast.
Silly Bradys
Who says you’re too old to make funny faces?
Parade Pops
When the Patriots headed back to Boston for their parade celebration after their 2017 Super Bowl win, Tom brought Ben along for the ride making him the coolest dad around.
Brady’s Littlest Fan
Winning the Super Bowl in 2017 was great, but getting to celebrate with your daughter on the field is priceless.
Good Luck Kisses
In 2017, Vivian gave her dad a big good luck kiss before he headed out for a game. Seriously, these two are so stinking cute.
Fan Club
Tom’s fans span near and far, but his biggest fans are his three kids and their “Brady” jerseys continually make us love them even more as a unit.
Tree Fairy
Decorating the Christmas tree is twice as fun when you have your precious daughter helping you out…especially when she’s dressed as a fairy!
Vacation Mode
The football player loves to spend his off time with his adorable kiddos at the beach and we totally approve.
