Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 29, 2025 · Sports

Tom Brady's Candid Letter: Family Over Football?

Tom Brady pictured with ex-wife Gisele Bundchen and his family during happier times

Tom Brady Takes Aim at Ex-Wife Gisele Bundchen: "Your Children are Watching Everything"

In a scathing newsletter that's left fans and media outlets abuzz, NFL legend Tom Brady has seemingly taken a swipe at his supermodel ex-wife Gisele Bundchen. The seven-time Super Bowl winner's latest missive, addressed to his adoring public, appears to be a veiled response to the numerous times Bundchen expressed her unhappiness with Brady's priorities as a husband and father.

The drama began in October 2023 when Brady and Bundchen announced their split after 13 years of marriage. The move came just months after Brady made the headlines by reversing his decision to retire from football, much to the dismay of his wife who had long been advocating for him to prioritize family over his sporting career.

The power couple divorced after months of speculation in 2022 after 13 years of marriage

In her September 2022 interview with Elle, Bundchen candidly shared her concerns about Brady's dedication to football: "This is a very violent sport, and I have my children and I would like him to be more present." She went on to say that she had repeatedly discussed the issue with Brady, but ultimately respected his decision to pursue his passion.

Brady, however, has now taken aim at Bundchen's claims in a lengthy newsletter where he defends his approach as a father. "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."

He continued: "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."

Bundchen was unhappy that Brady reversed his retirement decision for another year in the NFL

Bundchen's words were seen as a gentle yet firm warning to Brady about the importance of family time. However, Brady seems to have interpreted her comments as an attack on his priorities. He went on to emphasize the importance of being a role model for one's children, stating that "your children are watching everything" and "they see what you do in every aspect of your life and how you do it."

Brady's message appears to be aimed at Bundchen, who had expressed her support for Brady's career but emphasized the need for balance. In an interview with Elle, she said: "I've done my part, which is be there for Tom. I moved to Boston, and I focused on creating a cocoon and a loving environment for my children to grow up in and to be there supporting him and his dreams."

Bundchen's words were seen as a testament to her dedication to the couple's family life. However, Brady's latest newsletter suggests that he may have felt pressure from his wife to prioritize family over football.

Brady has now said that his football career was a key part of how he became a good father

The tension between the two has been evident since their split. Brady was recently roasted on Netflix for his post-split moves, with comedian Kevin Hart taking aim at Bundchen's decision to move on with her jiu-jitsu instructor Joaquim Valente. The roast was reportedly attended by Bundchen and her new partner, who have since welcomed a baby together.

Bundchen has consistently maintained that she wishes Brady all the best and is rooting for his success. However, it seems that Brady's latest newsletter may be an attempt to establish himself as the ultimate family man and defender of his children's well-being.

As Brady closes out his letter, he writes: "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."

A seven-time Super Bowl winner, Brady is widely accepted as the best to ever play in the NFL

Whether Brady's words are aimed at Bundchen or simply a reflection of his own personal growth is unclear. One thing is certain: the drama between these two beloved celebrities continues to captivate fans worldwide.

Sources:

  • TheScholarlyNote.com: NFL great Tom Brady takes aim at ex-wife Gisele Bundchen in latest newsletter
  • TheScholarlyNote.com: Gisele Bundchen defends her decision to leave Tom Brady and start a new life with Joaquim Valente
  • People Magazine: Gisele Bundchen Speaks Out on Tom Brady's Post-Split Roast

Since retiring, Brady has become an NFL analyst on a lucrative $375million deal with Fox