Message to Giselle: “part of being a great father is being a great example of doing what it takes to take care of your family”

We all remember when Tom Brady briefly retired only to quickly un-retire, play for one more season (only to lose to the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the playoffs), and then retire again. But perhaps the person who remembers it most clearly is his ex-wife, supermodel Gisele Bündchen.

The divorce happened right around that time in October 2023 and it’s widely believed that his decision to return to the NFL put a strain on their relationship. At the time, Gisele had voiced her concern about Brady’s focus on his career and absence at home, while emphasizing her own sacrifices for the family.

I was doing the best possible thing for my family and my kids by prioritizing my profession."

Tom Brady

Tom Brady’s subtle response to ex-wife’s criticism

Now, nearly two years later, Brady seems to have subtly addressed Gisele’s qualms and defended himself in a personal newsletter, saying that by prioritizing his job, he was doing the best thing for his family.

In the newsletter, he reflects on his career and fatherhood. While not mentioning her by name, Brady defends his football career as an essential part of being a good father, writing that his dedication to the game was a way of providing and setting an example for his children.

“I think part of being a great father is being a great example of doing what it takes to take care of your family,” Brady wrote. “I chose to do it by playing football.”

“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.”

Together, Brady and Bündchen had two children - Benjamin and Vivian. They also helped raise Brady’s son Jack from his previous relationship with Bridget Moynahan. Brady is widely regarded as the best player to ever play in the NFL. But his decision to return had consequences on his personal life. Still, he believes it was what was best for his children in setting an example.

“Being a great football player didn’t make me a great dad,“ Brady wrote. “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.”

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