Tom Brady Says It Was a ‘Challenge’ Navigating His Divorce from Gisele Bündchen and His ‘Tough’ Final NFL Season
Tom Brady Opens Up About His Final NFL Season Amid Divorce
Tom Brady, the legendary seven-time Super Bowl champion, recently shared candid insights into the difficulties he faced during his final season in the NFL. Speaking with MLFootball, Brady described his 23rd and concluding season as “tough,” revealing that personal family issues significantly impacted his ability to perform on the field. The timing of these challenges coincided with the finalization of his divorce from supermodel Gisele Bündchen in October 2022, making the year uniquely demanding both personally and professionally.
Brady, who officially retired from professional football in February 2023, initially announced his retirement a year earlier in February 2022. However, he returned to play a third season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, after spending 20 seasons with the New England Patriots. Despite his legendary career, Brady admitted that balancing the emotional toll of his divorce alongside the physical and mental demands of the NFL was a considerable challenge.
Reflecting on this period, Brady said, “My last season was tough. I was going through, I had a lot of, you know, a personal family issue. And it was a challenge, and it was very … it just took a lot out of me in terms of, you know, my ability to play.” His openness sheds light on the human side of an athlete often seen as invincible on the field.
Balancing Family, Football, and Personal Growth
Throughout his career, Brady has been known for his relentless dedication and competitive spirit. Yet, in his final season, he prioritized his family and personal well-being alongside his professional responsibilities. Brady and Bündchen share two children, Benjamin, 16, and Vivian, 13, and he also has an 18-year-old son, Jack, with ex-partner Bridget Moynahan.
Brady explained that his decision to retire was influenced by a desire to be more present in his children’s lives. “I had 23 years of [football] so I didn’t think I was missing anything, retiring,” he said. “I felt like I always had a goal — 45. I was 45 years old, I wanted to spend time with my kids, I felt like, okay, now it’s time for me to be at all my kids’ games. They’ve been to enough of their dad’s games.”
Despite the emotional and physical challenges, Brady was committed to giving his all during his final season. “I tried to put as much as I could into the final season,” he shared. “I felt like I owed to my teammates and coaches to give them everything I had. I wish it could have been a little bit better at the end. But it was just a unique situation and a unique year for me.”
Life After Football and Moving Forward
Since retiring, Brady has shifted his focus toward family and new professional ventures. At the Fanatics Studios launch party in January 2026, he told PEOPLE, “I don’t have much time for a personal life or much time for myself, but I love working and I love my kids. I like to be busy and try to really stay fulfilled in the things I’m doing, so I’m working on some really cool projects and I’m involved with some great teams of people that are doing some really positive things.”
Meanwhile, Gisele Bündchen has also moved forward, recently welcoming a new child with her husband Joaquim Valente in February 2025. The couple’s new addition marks a fresh chapter in Bündchen’s life following the divorce.
Brady’s personal life has also attracted media attention as he was spotted with influencer Alix Earle at a New Year’s Eve party in St. Barths, sparking rumors of a new romantic relationship. Prior to this, he was linked to supermodel Brooks Nader in 2024, though sources described their relationship as casual.
Conclusion
Tom Brady’s final NFL season was marked by significant personal challenges, including navigating his divorce from Gisele Bündchen. Despite these hurdles, Brady remained committed to his team and family, demonstrating resilience and dedication until the very end of his football career. As he embraces new opportunities and focuses on his children, Brady’s journey reminds us of the complexities behind the public persona of a sports icon.
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