Jun 23, 2026, 6:35 PM CUT

Tom Brady once broke down in tears, admitting he’s “not as good a dad”

Dec 14, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Fox broadcaster Tom Brady is seen prior to the game between the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Tom Brady, the seven-time Super Bowl champion, has built a career on winning Super Bowls, breaking records, and making himself one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. But behind the championships, there was a moment that revealed another side of the football icon.

During Tom Brady's appearance on Episode 10 of Brady's documentary series Man in the Arena, which aired in 2022, he expressed how inspired he was by his dad, Tom Brady Sr., on his journey and how he couldn't be a father to his children like his father was to him.

"I know I’m not as good a dad to my kids that my dad’s been to me," said Brady in Episode 10 of 'Man In the Arena', as per a post shared by ESPN on X.

During the episode, Brady became emotional while he discussed the standards his father had set as a parent. Throughout his career, Brady was always seen as a winner, but his comments showed that success on the field does not solve the challenges that come with parenting.

Brady has openly shared about the sacrifices he made to make a career crossing more than two decades. It was difficult balancing professional football with family responsibilities through his later years in the NFL.

Brady has three children: Jack (18) with his ex-girlfriend Bridget Moynahan, Benjamin Rein (16), and Vivian Lake (13) with his ex-wife Gisele Bündchen. Regardless of all his on-field achievements, he still believes he is not like his father.

The parental support he received left a lasting impression on Brady, who credits his parents for shaping his life. Recently, Brady was notably absent from a Father's Day tribute that overlooked him.

Tom Brady overlooked as ex-wife Gisele Bündchen praises her husband on Father’s Day tribute

Tom Brady's ex-wife, Gisele Bundchen, shared a Father's Day tribute that did not include her ex-husband, Tom Brady. Instead, Bundchen celebrated her husband, Joaquim Valente, calling him an "incredible role model," according to Reality Tea.

The post displayed photos of Valente with their son and Bundchen's children, Benjamin and Vivian.

While neither of the sides has publicly talked about the reaction, the post started a conversation about the former couple's evolving family years after their 2022 divorce.

What are your views on Tom Brady? Let us know in the comments!

Written by

Hetal Moleshri

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote