by Beyond the GOAT: Lesser-Known Facets of Tom Brady
When people think of Tom Brady, words like “greatest of all time” and “football legend” immediately come to mind. And with good reason – his record seven Super Bowl titles, five Super Bowl MVP awards, and countless other accolades cement his status as the most accomplished quarterback in NFL history. However, beneath the glistening Lombardi trophies and eye-popping stats lies a man with surprising interests, hidden talents, and facets to his personality that are often overlooked. Let’s take a closer look at some of the lesser-known sides of Tom Brady.
The Entrepreneur
While football will always be his first love and greatest professional achievement, Brady has also proven himself to be a savvy businessman with an entrepreneurial spirit. In 2013, he co-founded TB12, a health and wellness company focused on holistic well-being and promoting Brady’s TB12 Method. This training and lifestyle regimen emphasizes flexibility, pliability, hydration, nutrition, functional strength training, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Through TB12, Brady provides customized programs, products, and private training sessions to athletes and regular folks alike looking to optimize their performance and longevity. The company has expanded to include retail stores, an online shop, and even a line of fitness equipment. Brady has also made angel investments in various startups, including plant-based burger company Beyond Meat prior to its IPO.
“I’ve always been fascinated by business ventures and the process of building something from the ground up,” Brady told Forbes. “TB12 has been incredibly rewarding as I’ve been able to build a company I’m passionate about while also helping others.” This entrepreneurial drive shows Brady has ambitions that extend far beyond the football field.
The Fashion Icon (Maybe)
Love him or hate him, Tom Brady definitely has a unique fashion sense. From his infamous Uggs phase to his bold sartorial choices on and off the field, Brady isn’t afraid to take risks with his wardrobe. He’s been spotted in everything from printed Gucci pants and colorful blazers to ripped jeans and leather jackets.
Brady even briefly sported a man bun hairstyle a few years ago, drawing both praise and criticism. “Fashion is an outlet for me to be creative. I know some of my looks are an acquired taste, but I enjoy experimenting,” he said. In 2021, Brady took things to the next level by launching his own lifestyle brand, BRADY, which includes apparel, footwear, accessories, and even a line of sunglasses.
While opinions on his personal style may vary, Brady’s fashion risks show he’s not afraid to stand out of the crowd. He uses clothing as a form of self-expression beyond the uniform pads and helmet. Only time will tell if Brady can achieve icon status in the fashion world to match his GOAT status in football.
The Family Man
Despite the all-consuming nature of professional football and the intense demands it places on players, family has always been Brady’s top priority outside of the game. He’s been with his wife, supermodel Gisele Bündchen, since early 2006 and they share two children – son Benjamin Rein and daughter Vivian Lake. Brady also has a son Jack with his ex, actress Bridget Moynahan.
By all accounts, Brady is a devoted father who is deeply committed to his children. He’s said fatherhood was a “dream come true” and finding balance between family and football is crucial. Brady makes time for family dinners whenever possible during the season and vacations with his loved ones in the offseason.
His parents also remain hugely influential in his life. Brady has spoken about how their constant love and support throughout his childhood football career helped shape him into the man he is today. Maintaining close relationships with family, even amidst the hectic NFL schedule, is a testament to Brady’s priorities outside of the game.
The Environmentalist (Sort Of)
While not necessarily the most outspoken environmental advocate, Brady has shown interest in eco-friendly causes over the years through his business investments and partnerships. In 2016, he became an early investor in Beyond Meat prior to the company’s hugely successful IPO. Beyond Meat is on a mission to create plant-based “meats” as a more sustainable alternative to traditional animal products.
Additionally, Brady has partnered with several environmentally-conscious clothing brands like outdoor retailer Outdoor Voices. For Earth Day in 2021, he promoted an eco-friendly athleisure line made from recycled materials. Brady has said he tries to reduce his environmental impact through daily habits like using reusable water bottles and shopping locally when possible.
“I care deeply about our planet and future generations,” Brady stated. “While I’m still learning, I’m committed to doing my part, however big or small, to protect our environment.” Though not the most vocal advocate, Brady’s actions show he has a developing environmental consciousness beyond his reputation as an elite athlete.
The Jokester (Allegedly)
To the general public, Brady often comes across as intensely focused and all-business when it comes to football. However, his teammates over the years describe a different side of him – one with a surprisingly dry and self-deprecating sense of humor. According to former Patriots wide receiver Deion Branch, Brady is hilarious in the locker room and constantly cracking jokes to keep things lighthearted.
“He has one of the best personalities and always finds a way to make us laugh,” Branch said. Tight end Rob Gronkowski also recalled how Brady would poke fun at himself and teammates to keep spirits up. “He really knows how to use comedy to bring people together and relieve stress,” Gronk said. Of course, Brady saves most of the joking for behind closed doors rather than his public persona. But those close to him insist there’s a hilarious prankster underneath the intense competitive exterior.
The Voice Acting Aspirations?
This might be the most unexpected facet of all – Brady’s one-time dream of breaking into voice acting. In 2017, rumors swirled that Brady personally lobbied director John Lasseter and the Pixar team for a role in the upcoming animated sequel The Incredibles 2. While the details were never fully confirmed, Brady was said to be gunning for a minor character role in the highly anticipated film.
Unfortunately for Brady, his voice acting ambitions never came to fruition – Pixar decided to go with professional vocal talent instead. But the mere idea that the ultra-serious GOAT took meetings to discuss voiceover work in a children’s movie shows an amusingly whimsical side few saw coming. It proved Brady has interests far beyond football and the will to put himself out there creatively, even if his Disney dreams didn’t pan out.
Beyond Football
Through his business ventures, fashion risks, family values, environmental concerns, hidden humor, and alleged voice acting aspirations, Tom Brady has shown there is far more to him than just football. He’s a multifaceted personality with myriad interests and talents. While Brady may forever be defined by his unprecedented success and records on the gridiron, these lesser facets of his character provide a more well-rounded view into the totality of the man.
Underneath the intense competitiveness and relentless work ethic lies a creative spirit, a dedication to loved ones, budding environmentalism, and even a comedic side. Brady is more than just a gridiron robot – he’s a true Renaissance man still discovering new avenues for expression. And who knows, maybe one day we’ll see Brady make his voice acting debut after all. For now, he remains focused on adding to his football legend. But make no mistake – there is far more to Tom Brady than what meets the eye between those goal posts.
