In a candid discussion, NFL legend Tom Brady opened up about the challenges of fatherhood, admitting he’s made several mistakes as a parent while striving to support his three children.
Speaking at the 2024 Fortune Global Forum in New York City, Brady reflected on the complexities of raising children and the struggles that come with it.
He said, “All of the parents of the room know that being a parent is probably the hardest job all of us have. And we screw up a lot. And I’ve screwed up a lot as a parent.”
He continued, as he revealed the challenges he has overcome as a dad, before adding: “I don’t wanna seem like I’m some sort of expert in parenting, because I’m certainly not that.”
Brady shares his parenting journey with three children: a 17-year-old son with actress Bridget Moynahan and a son and daughter with his ex-wife, supermodel Gisele Bündchen.
Since retiring from the NFL in 2022, Brady has diversified his interests by investing in ventures like the Las Vegas Raiders and English soccer club Birmingham City.
He also took on a new role as lead analyst for the NFL on FOX, securing a mind-blowing 10-year, $375 million deal.
However, he acknowledges that his role as a father carries the most weight and presents the greatest challenges.
Reflecting on the struggles his children may face due to his fame, Brady admitted that it “sucks to be Tom Brady’s son,” acknowledging that his legacy adds unique pressures.
He recalled his own parents’ unwavering support, saying, “The blessing my parents gave me was when I was that longshot as a kid who was a backup quarterback on a freshman team, they never said, ‘Man, don’t do that.
“‘It’s going to be too hard. Let’s do something different. Let’s think about another backup plan’. They kind of said, ‘You know what? Go for it. And that’s probably my parenting style.
“I tell him ‘Dude, you’re gonna be a stud. Wait till you hit your growth spurt, you’re gonna be jumping higher, you’re gonna be dunking.”
While his oldest son has expressed some interest in pursuing sports, Brady insists he places no expectations on him to replicate his own career.
The seven-time Super Bowl champion explained, “Whether he does or not, who cares? I want him to know that his dad’s got his back.”
Understanding the challenges that lie ahead for his children, Brady is committed to providing the same kind of support his parents offered him.
“My kids are gonna be faced with their own challenges, and they gotta figure out how to overcome them too. And I’ll be there to support them…right there with them,” he said.
While Brady admits to struggling at times as a father, it’s safe to assume he’s doing just fine in the overall scheme of things.
Getting back to his broadcasting career – what are your impressions so far? … Is he better or worse than you expected???