The name Tom Brady stands out as a beacon of excellence in the annals of American Football history. The legendary quarterback left an indelible mark on the National Football League (NFL) by becoming an icon of the sport. Brady enjoyed a remarkable career that spanned two decades and was such an influential and talented figure that he had the ability to influence the odds on the top online sportsbooks whenever he was named in his team.
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Tom Brady’s Age and Early Life
Brady was born on August 3, 1977, in San Mateo, California, in the heart of California’s Bay Area. His parents, Galynn Patricia and Thomas Brady Sr, played a pivotal role in shaping Brady’s career, providing the young Brady with encouragement and support. Brady attended San Francisco 49ers games at Candlestick Park in the 1980s and cites Joe Montana as the primary reason for wanting to become a quarterback in the NFL.
By the time Brady chose to head to the University of Michigan in 1995, he stood at 6ft 4in tall and tipped the scales at 225 pounds. Brady’s athletic frame laid the foundations for what would be an incredible football career.
Tom Brady’s College Football Career
Brady’s college career with the Michigan Wolverines did not get off to the best of starts. After redshirting his first season in 1995, Brady was the backup quarterback during 1996 and 1996. However, he became the Wolverines’ starting quarterback in 1998, guiding the team to 20 victories, including the 1999 Citrus Bowl and the 2000 Orange Bowl.
Tom Bady’s Professional Football Career
Despite his impressive final two years for the Michigan Wolverines, Brady was not highly rated when he made himself eligible for the 2000 NFL Draft. The New England Patriots selected Brady in the sixth round of the draw, 199th overall; he was the seventh quarterback drafted that year.
After making one solitary appearance for the New England Patriots in 2000, Brady became the team’s starting quarterback in 2001 after an injury to Drew Bledsoe ruled him out of action. The NFL has that unfortunate Blesdoe injury to thank for the emergence of arguably the greatest quarterback of all time.
Brady grabbed his chance with both hands, guiding the New England Patriots to Super Bowl glory in his first season as a starter. Although the team faltered the following season, Brady became a two-time Super Bowl winner in 2003 and then a three-time champion in 2004. Brady had announced his arrival in the NFL in the best way possible.
The Associated Press named Brady the NFL’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 2007, then again in 2010 and 2017. By the time Brady decided to head for pastures new at the end of the 2019 season, he had won the Super Bowl six times and was the game’s MVP thrice.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Brady in time for the 2020 NFL season, and he hit the ground running, turning the Buccaneers into Super Bowl champions. Brady announced his retirement at the end of the 2021 campaign but opted to enjoy one more season. After failing to progress from the Wild Card round of the playoffs, Brady finally called time on the most glistening NFL career of all time.
Brady’s career is nothing short of remarkable. He ranks first in the all-time passing yards list with 89,214, the most career pass completions (7,753), most career touchdown passes (649), most Pro Bowl selections (15), in addition to another two dozen records.
Tom Brady’s Personal Life
Brady began dating supermodel Gisele Bundchen in December 2006 after a mutual friend set them up on a blind date. The couple got on like a house on fire and married two years later, in February 2009. Brady and Bundchen became parents to a son, Rein, in December 2009 and a daughter, Vivian, in December 2012.
Sadly, the world-famous power couple announced their divorce in October 2022. Brady is now rumored to be dating Russian model Irina Shayk, who used to be romantically linked with Bradley Cooper.
Few NFL players have managed to stay on top of their game for over two decades, and Brady puts some of his unprecedented longevity down to his strict nutrition and fitness regime. He co-authored a book, “The TB12 Method,” outlining his approach to fitness and well-being.
Tom Brady’s Net Worth
Brady has an estimated net worth in the region of $300 million, making him one of the wealthiest athletes globally. Brady commanded massive salaries and bonuses throughout his career, with his contracts earning him an astronomical $333 million before he retired.
It is estimated that Brady earned more than $150 million from various endorsement deals throughout his 22-year career, including from luxury watchmaker TAG Heuer and Under Armor.
In May 2022, Brady put pen to paper on a $375 million ten-year contract with Fox Sports to become the channel’s NFL analyst. It is thought to be the most lucrative deal in sports television history.
Conclusion
Brady’s name is synonymous with excellence, and his story is one of grit, determination, and dedication to his trade. Brady climbed from relatively humble beginnings to superstardom, became a seven-time Super Bowl champion, and an NFL record holder in more than 20 categories.
Brady became a global icon off the field when he married fellow A-lister Gisele Bundchen. Between them, Brady and Bundchen were worth an estimated $650 million, making them a genuine power couple. Although the pair have since divorced, both still find themselves in the public eye thanks to amassing legions of fans over the years.
Brady’s professional career may be done and dusted, but he is regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time, and his impact on American Football will continue to be felt for generations to come. It is time for a new chapter in Brady’s incredible life, and you can bet your bottom dollar that he will focus his attention on being the best-ever NFL analyst and the greatest ever in whatever role he takes away from the game he loves.