Fans are often disappointed when players got traded to other teams, or they leave a team after being part of its success for years. That's why it was almost a shock that after 20 years playing for the same team, NFL superstar Tom Brady has decided to end his time with the New England Patriots. Especially since based on how it sounds, he'll continue to play football elsewhere.
Tom was drafted to the team back in 2000. Very quickly, the quarterback rose to the top of the team. He has celebrated multiple Super Bowl championships and MVP awards for his athleticism. So it's interesting that he's currently a free agent.
"Although my football journey will take place elsewhere, I appreciate everything that we have achieved and am grateful for our incredible TEAM accomplishments," he announced on Instagram. "I have been privileged to have had the opportunity to know each and every one of you, and to have the memories we’ve created together." Even with a gracious statement, many New England fans still couldn't believe it.
Tom's career truly has been amazing. After attending the University of Michigan, Tom was chosen to play on the Patriots. In 2001, just a year into his professional career, Tom helped his team win their first Super Bowl. Altogether, he's played in nine Super Bowls.
Out of those nine, he's won six. He reportedly has the most Super Bowl wins out of any NFL player. Coming up in second place is Charles Haley, who has won five times, the last being in 1996. Tom made sure his fans knew how much they were appreciated throughout his time on the field.
"I love your commitment and loyalty to your teams and winning for out city means more than you will ever know,” Tom said to his followers. "I have been so blessed to share them with you all." Since Tom was initially from California, he thanked everyone in New England for being so welcoming to him all these years.
Tom also noted that it was a tough decision because his three children were born in New England and have become familiar with the area. He shares his oldest son, Jack, with former girlfriend actress Bridget Moynahan. The two were together for a few years.
His next two children were with Brazilian model Gisele Bünchden, whom he was dating when he learned that his ex Bridget was pregnant. "When you’re suddenly pregnant and no one is standing by your side, even if you’re in your 30s, it’s a hard conversation," Bridget said to Harper's Bazaar. "I’m a traditional girl, and I believe in marriage, and I just always thought that’s the way I’d be doing this. For a moment, it was hard for me to accept that this was the way I was going to have a family."
While the arrangement was tough for Gisele at first, she learned how to manage it. And she's been nothing but loving toward Jack throughout the years. "I feel blessed to have him in my life," she told Vanity Fair. "I understand that he has a mom, and I respect that, but to me it's not like because somebody else delivered him, that's not my child. I feel it is, 100 percent. I want him to have a great relationship with his mom, because that's important, but I love him the same way as if he were mine. I already feel like he's my son, from the first day."
In that same interview, she explained that she was also looking forward to someday having kids of her own. "I would like a big family," she admitted. "I love children. When you come from a big family, you see that growing up you’re learning how to share. Your sisters have got your back." Good thing that Gisele got her wish.
She and Tom went on to have two children, Benjamin and Vivian. After they were born, Gisele admitted that being a mom was one of her best jobs. "When I became a mother, it really became my priority," she told Good Morning America. "I just wanted to be with my kids … I couldn't … see anything more important than being there for them … and to be there for my husband too."
Tom and Gisele have admitted that their relationship requires a lot of work. In a post shared for their anniversary, Tom noted that it hasn't necessarily been easy. "The challenges we have overcome have made our bond stronger and our love grow deeper," he wrote. "Thank you for loving me, for supporting my dreams, and for nurturing our family in the way that only you could."
When the two first met, they were both mutually infatuated with each other. "We met through a friend," Gisele recalled to Vanity Fair, per Insider. "The moment I saw him, he smiled and I was like, 'That is the most beautiful, charismatic smile I’ve ever seen!' We sat and talked for three hours. I had to go home for Christmas, but I didn’t want to leave. You know that feeling of, like, you can't get enough? From the first day we met, we've never spent one day without speaking to each other."
Their kids are also big fans of the game. Back in 2018, they were upset to see their dad lose in the Super Bowl. Gisele turned the loss into a lesson about sharing. "You have to let someone else win sometimes," Gisele reportedly told them. "We have to share. Sharing is caring.''
There's a good chance that Gisele was prepared with the news of Tom leaving for quite some time. They reportedly had talked about what they'd do after Tom eventually retired from the game. He may still be playing, but perhaps the couple are hoping for a big relocation. So far, Gisele has yet to openly comment.
She did, however, mention her thoughts regarding the coronavirus. On Instagram, she reminded fans that "we're all in this together." She added, "We have to try to remain calm, positive, and continue to support each other."
It is important to note that Tom also wrote out a message just to his coaches and everyone in the New England area who openly supported his career. In that note, he left with the caption of "Always A Patriot." So it seems like this move is more about seeing what else is out there and not due to any type of bad blood with the team itself. Still, it'll be weird to watch a Patriots game without him.
