At the 2024 Fortune Global Forum this week, Tom Brady opened up about the challenges of being a parent, calling it the “hardest job” in the world. Considering Brady played quarterback in the NFL for over two decades and won seven Super Bowls, his perspective on parenting carries significant weight.
“All of the parents in the room know that being a parent is probably the hardest job all of us have,” Brady said during an interview with Fortune’s editor-in-chief, Alyson Shontell. “And we screw up a lot. And I’ve screwed up a lot as a parent. I don’t want to seem like some expert because I’m certainly not that.”
Brady was refreshingly honest about the ups and downs of parenthood, admitting that he makes mistakes and is constantly learning along the way. His candid remarks resonated with many, showcasing a side of the legendary athlete that fans don’t often see—the vulnerable, self-reflective father who is navigating the complexities of raising children.
In the same interview, Brady touched on the unique struggles his children face, particularly his two sons. He acknowledged the challenges that come with being the son of a globally recognized sports icon, admitting that it probably “sucks” to be his son at times. The relentless comparisons and expectations from the public can create pressure that is difficult to navigate.
“To be a boy, [it] sucks to be Tom Brady’s son in so many ways,” Brady said, according to Us Weekly. “There are a lot of challenges I faced as a kid… my kids naturally are gonna be faced with their own challenges, and they gotta figure out how to overcome them. I’ll be there to support them, and I’ll be learning along the way with them.”
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Brady shares his first child, Jack, with actress Bridget Moynahan. He later welcomed his second son, Benjamin, with his ex-wife, supermodel Gisele Bündchen. Despite the fame and success surrounding their family, Brady is acutely aware of the unique pressures his children face, and he emphasized his role as a supportive father.
“Whatever our kids choose, we gotta support them,” Brady explained. “The blessing my parents gave me was that when I was that long shot as a kid—a backup quarterback on a freshman team—they never said, ‘Man, don’t do that. It’s gonna be too hard. Let’s do something different. Let’s think about another backup plan.’ They kind of said, ‘You know what, go for it. Whatever you wanna be, go for it.’ And that’s probably my parenting style.”
Brady’s comments shed light on how he aims to parent his children, providing them with the freedom to pursue their own passions without fear of judgment or comparison.
He draws from his own experiences of being an underdog, recalling how his parents’ unwavering support allowed him to pursue his dreams and achieve greatness. It’s that same kind of support that he wants to give his sons, encouraging them to carve out their own paths and make their own choices.
The public can be unforgiving, and Brady understands that his sons will be subjected to scrutiny and comparisons because of who their father is.
However, Brady made it abundantly clear that his love and support for them are unconditional. He wants his children to know that their worth is not tied to his achievements but rather to their own happiness and fulfillment in whatever paths they choose.
“There’s nothing more important to me than being a dad,” Brady said. “Football was a huge part of my life, but my family is everything. I want to be the kind of father who supports his kids, no matter what. Whether they want to play sports, be artists, or anything else, I’m going to be there every step of the way.”
It’s refreshing to see Brady, who was once one of the fiercest competitors in the NFL, open up about the challenges of fatherhood. His willingness to admit his imperfections and speak about the complexities of parenting gives us a deeper glimpse into his life off the field. Brady values being a father above all else, and his dedication to his family is clear.
As for what the future holds for Brady’s two sons, only time will tell. But one thing is certain—Tom Brady will be there, standing by their side, cheering them on in whatever they choose to do.
