by Tom Brady’s First Retired Summer: Finding Balance After 22 Seasons
In February 2023, Tom Brady shocked the sports world by announcing his retirement from the NFL after an unprecedented 22-season career. While many expected the ageless quarterback to keep playing into his mid-40s, Brady decided it was finally time to hang up his cleats.
This left the question – what would Brady do with his first summer out of football? For over two decades, his offseasons had been spent preparing for the next campaign. But in 2023, Brady had no playbook to follow as a newly retired athlete. This was truly uncharted territory.
As the months of May, June and July rolled by, Brady took his first real break from the rigors of NFL training in over 20 years. But he did not spend the summer entirely idle. Brady focused on three main priorities – family, travel, and philanthropy. It was his first chance to find a healthy balance between relaxation and giving back, away from the football grind.
Family Time
Spending quality time with his wife Gisele Bundchen and their three children – Jack, Benny and Vivi – was at the top of Brady’s agenda. “The schedule of an NFL player doesn’t leave much room for family during the season,” Brady said. “I missed so many dinners, bedtimes, and weekends with the kids over the years. This summer was about making up for lost time.”
Brady took the kids on day trips to the beach, the amusement park, and other kid-friendly destinations. He attended their little league games, dance recitals, and other activities he had missed in the past. Brady also traveled with his family to his homes in Florida, California and Montana, enjoying leisurely days without the pressures of football.
Gisele reflected on how different Brady was during this summer. “He’s always so serious and intense when he’s in football mode,” she said. “But this summer, he was relaxed and playful. It was really nice to see him bond with the kids without any distractions.” Brady admitted he found a new perspective as a father without football obligations. “I realized how much I had taken my family for granted,” he said.
Travel and Adventures
When he wasn’t spending time with his family, Brady took advantage of his freedom to travel. He checked destinations off his bucket list that he had long dreamed of visiting but never had time for during the NFL season.
In May, Brady and Gisele took a two-week trip to Italy, exploring cities like Rome, Florence and Venice. They immersed themselves in the local culture, cuisine and history. Brady later said it was one of the most memorable trips of his life.
In June, Brady traveled to Southeast Asia for over a week. He hiked through jungles in Thailand, took cooking classes in Vietnam and relaxed on beaches in Bali. “It was incredible to experience places I had only read about or seen in movies,” Brady said.
For the fourth of July weekend, Brady rented a yacht and sailed around the Greek Islands with some friends. He spent lazy days swimming, snorkeling and enjoying the Mediterranean sun. Brady said it was a welcome change of pace from his football routines.
Later in July, Brady fulfilled a childhood dream by going on an African safari in South Africa, spotting the Big Five up close. He called it a “life-changing experience.” Through his travels that summer, Brady gained a new global perspective and appreciation for other cultures.
Philanthropic Endeavors
While enjoying time off, Brady also stayed busy with charitable work. He had long supported various children’s causes through his TB12 Foundation, and this summer was no different.
In May, Brady visited hospitals in Boston and Tampa to spend time with young patients and donate toys, books and sports equipment. He also made a sizable donation to fund new pediatric cancer research.
Throughout June and July, Brady hosted youth football camps in several cities. He shared his expertise with thousands of kids and emphasized the importance of teamwork, perseverance and living a healthy lifestyle. Brady also donated all camp proceeds to underprivileged communities.
Brady also partnered with other charities like Save the Children to raise awareness and funds. He filmed PSAs, participated in galas, and matched donations up to $1 million. By the end of the summer, Brady’s philanthropic efforts had positively impacted the lives of countless children in need.
Adjusting to Life Without Football
While keeping busy, Brady acknowledged it was still an adjustment period after decades playing football. “I was so used to having a schedule and purpose every day,” he said. “This summer, I had to find a new routine and way of spending my time.”
Brady took things “one day at a time” as he learned his post-NFL identity. He tried new hobbies like golf, tennis, hiking and yoga to stay active. Brady also took an advanced cooking class, dabbled in photography, and read dozens of books on diverse topics.
He spoke about experiencing different emotions as well. “There were days I missed the competition and adrenaline of football,” Brady said. “But then I’d see my kids laughing and feel grateful for this time with my family.”
By late July, Brady felt he had settled into retirement. “I found a good balance of rest, travel, hobbies and philanthropy,” he said. “It was definitely an adjustment at first, but I’m really happy with how I spent my summer.” Brady felt refreshed and recharged, with no regrets about his decision to leave football behind.
As summer ended and fall approached, Brady looked ahead optimistically to the next phase of his life. He was excited to focus on his family, business ventures and charitable work without football commitments. Brady’s first retired summer proved to be a success – finding balance, making memories, and staying active both physically and philanthropically. It set the tone for Brady’s happy and healthy post-NFL years to come.
