The NFL had its version of celebrity scandal this offseason, after Tom Brady retired at the end of the Buccaneers’ season before coming out of retirement just 40 days later. When Brady mysteriously disappeared late in Buccaneers training camp, the gossip mill started to turn, and there was suddenly a great deal of consternation about the state of the quarterback’s marriage to Gisele Bündchen.
When Brady returned to the team, he was mum about his reasoning, merely offering up “it’s all personal you know, everyone’s got different situations … I’m 45 years old man, there’s a lot of s— going on.”
It was a different version of Brady than many are used to, as he’s been a bit more… Online since joining the Buccaneers. While he’d normally be quick with a joke, the lack of explanation caused many to assume it was incredibly personal.
Brady, of course, doesn’t owe anyone an explanation, nor does Bündchen. In a feature on Elle, Bündchen was vague in talking about her feelings about Brady’s return to the league.
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“Obviously, I have my concerns—this is a very violent sport, and I have my children and I would like him to be more present,” she said in the profile. “I have definitely had those conversations with him over and over again. But ultimately, I feel that everybody has to make a decision that works for [them]. He needs to follow his joy, too.”
While this is hardly a peek behind the curtain in the marriage of Brady and Bündchen, it’s worth noting Brady is just a part of Bündchen’s life, so he was just a part of the article. There are undoubtedly heaps of context not being addressed by a paragraph-long quote, but the bottom line is Bündchen shares the same concerns as nearly everyone whose loved ones play football.
Bündchen also addressed the sacrifices she’s made to be there for Tom to help raise a family while he is buried in game tape and preparation.
“I’ve done my part, which is [to] be there for [Tom], she said. “I moved to Boston, and I focused on creating a cocoon and a loving environment for my children to grow up in and to be there supporting him and his dreams. Seeing my children succeed and become the beautiful little humans that they are, seeing him succeed, and being fulfilled in his career—it makes me happy. At this point in my life, I feel like I’ve done a good job on that.”
And when Brady retired, Bündchen saw daylight in putting forth her priorities. Now that Brady is back in the NFL, she isn’t delaying those aspirations. “I have a huge list of things that I have to do, that I want to do,” she said. “At 42, I feel more connected with my purpose.”
Brady and the Buccaneers are 1-0 on the season after a Sunday night ragdolling of the Cowboys, a 19-3 win behind a good-not-great night from Brady. Though his arm still looked strong, Tampa Bay was conservative in the second half once it became clear the Cowboys offense was going to remain lifeless.
The Buccaneers are going for their second Super Bowl in three years in what is very likely Brady’s last ride. They have a long season ahead of them, but they’re off to a promising start.
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