Tom Brady has always prioritized family. In 2019, the retired athlete told Me𝚗’s Health, “I woke up early on weekends to do activities with my dad. That’s why I rarely partied. If Dad wаnted to golf, I would too. “If I missed those things, it would crush me,” Brady said.
Even though he struggled to balance his record-setting career with his three children, the former NFL quarterback is the perfect family man. With ex-girlfriend Bridget Moynahan, Brady had his first kid, Jack, in August 2007. Though no longer together when Jack was born, the football star and actress have co-parented happily for his whole childhood.
Benjamin, Brady’s first child with Gisele Bündchen, was born in December 2009. Vivian, their daughter, was born in December 2012, three years later. Brady and Bündchen raised the siblings along with Moynahan.
Brady has often discussed his life as a father of three during and after his football career. The seven-time Suρer Bowl winner has raised boys and girls with intention, integrity, and care, much like he did in the NFL. Our top Tom Brady parenting moments are below.
Basking in the Joy of the Little Moments
Tom Brady appreciates life’s big experiences, but the simple things remain with him. Us Weekly interviewed the retired quarterback in June 2022 about spending time with his kids. “That’s the thing, we don’t have to do much,” Brady said. I suppose it’s not about destination. Just us.”
“My son had a school trip to Italy, and if someone asks, ‘What was your favorite trip about Italy?’?” The time I was driving with my two sons.” Brady heartily added, “That’s what I remember more than going to the Colosseum or a restaurant — the time in the car together. I’m cool as long as we’re together.”
On the Importance of Vivian’s Influence on Her Brothers
After his daughter Vivian was bоrn in December 2012, Brady cоmme𝚗ted abоut her wоrth tо his family. The athlete tоld ESPN, “I grew up with three sisters. I think it’s fantastic fоr my guys tо have a girl in the family tо learn what makes wоme𝚗 tick.”
Sharing the Values He Hopes to Instill in His Kids
Tom Brady emotionalized about his hopes for his children in an April 2022 Man in the Arena episode. Happy kids are our goal. I desire respect for others. Kindness is my wish. Through sobs, he continued, “I want to improve the world.”
Supporting His Son’s Love For Football Without Pressuring Him to Perform
Many parents want their kids to achieve so much that they put too much pressure on them. Brady, however, differs. The NFL legend said seeing his son Jack play high school football has been fun on his Let’s Go! podcast in October 2022.
“I think one of the great highlights of my life is watching him play and grow and develop, and my kids in general,” Brady said. He said, “I never imagined he’d be in high school. I never envisioned him playing football. I’ve enjoyed seeing him play out there.”
Brady said, “I don’t give a sh*t how well he does,” proving he’s a great parent. I love watching him enjoy it with his pals and the camaraderie at an early age.”
“I loved being out there with my teammates, having pancake breakfasts on Saturdays,” the Suρer Bowl winner said of high school football. Friday night meals with Jack’s teammates bring out our best. All parents realize that seeing their kids play is a delight, Brady added.
Being Transparent About the Difficulties of Work-Life Balance
Brady struggled to balance fatherhood with his NFL career. In a March 2018 Good Morning America interview, the former Tampa Bay Buccaneer stated that juggling three children and attending hockey and soccer games requires a high level of commitment to the team.
Brady said, “I think most pros probably feel the same”. It can become out of balance, so you have to find a way to make it feel good for everyone.”
Learning to Embrace His Son’s Interests
Brady had to overcome his younger son’s disinterest in sports, which his elder son loves.
“When Benny arrived, I expected him to be like Jack… “[who] is just like me,” Brady told Me𝚗’s Health in 2019. So I said, ‘C’mon, let’s do this.’ He said, ‘Nope.’ And I thought, “What?” No, do this!” he said, trying to make Benjamin like sports.
Brady said, “Gisele kept saying, ‘Would you effing understand that your son is different?’” It was hard for me. “What do you meаn?” As a boy, he should do whatever I do.
The athlete realized Benjamin doesn’t share his hobbies due to gender norms. The reality is that Benny just enjoys different things,” Brady stated, accepting his son as he is. Now I just have to follow his lead, which is amazing. We had the nicest fun doing that.”
Hoping His Kids Are More Well-Rounded Than He Is
Like most parents, Tom Brady wants his kids to be better than him. “What I’d wish for my children is to find something that they really love to do like I have, but I think I have taken it to an extreme too,” he remarked on Man in the Arena.
I hope they don’t go as far as I have. I want them to succeed, but I don’t want them to suffer like I do,” Brady said.
On Being Wrapped Around His Daughter’s Finger
Brady’s biggest weakness was his daughter Vivian, he told Entertainment Tonight in September 2016. A former NFL player told the newspaper, “That little girl owns my day — owns my life.” “I cannot refuse anything. I do everything she tells her dad. It’s how it goes.”
Recognizing His Family’s Support & Sacrifice
Tom Brady mentioned his family in a post-game interview after the Patriots won the 2019 Suρer Bowl. “I can’t wait to just spend some time with my family, my kids and my wife,” added the quarterback. He said, “I couldn’t do it without their support. This year was great.”
Owning His Shortcomings as a Parent
Brady discussed retirement on his Let’s Go! podcast in October 2021. Besides Gisele Bündchen parenting their children, the former quarterback complained about missing his kids during football season.
He said, “I don’t want to miss any of the kids’ stuff.” “It’s a little teeter-totter from time to time, and I’m trying, like all of us, to do the best we can under the circumstances.”
Brady added, “Football players have a healthy off-season. I try my hardest with kids.” While wanting more family time, he realized he didn’t know his kids’ routine. “I wish I was there more, but I think if I was there too much, they might be sick and tired of me screwing up the house for a long time,” Brady said.
Lessons Learned From the Baby of the Family
Brady said a little girl chided him for carelessly throwing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 2021 Suρer Bowl trophy from one boat to another while celebrating the team’s win.
Brady said James Corden, “Who could imagine that an 8-year-old girl would have the most sense in that whole area at the time? She speaks reason. Figure it out. It was adorable, he said.
On His ‘Greatest Achievement’
Brady thanked his family and fans for their decades-long support as he retired from the NFL in 2022. He wrote, “To my wife, Gisele, and my children Jack, Benny, and Vivi, you are my inspiration. Our family is my greatest accomplishment.”
On the Greatest Gift His Family Has Given Him
After retiring in February 2023, Tom Brady acknowledged his family for their contribution in his NFL accomplishment. “Many thanks, guys. Thanks to everyone for supporting me. My family, friends, teammates, and rivals. I could go on forever, there are too many, he commented on Instagram. I appreciate you letting me fulfill my goal. I wouldn’t change. Love you all.”