Tom Brady opens up about his failures as a father and the unique struggles of parenthood

The NFL icon shares his vulnerable side, reflecting on the pressure and pitfalls of parenting

Beyond the End Zone: Tom Brady’s Struggles in FatherhoodInstagram @tombrady

In the two decades he spent dominating the NFL, Tom Brady seemed nearly untouchable-a master of precision, resilience, and focus. But off the field, Brady has a different, more complex role that challenges him daily: being a father. While his career highlights are etched in sports history, he’s now sharing a different side of his life that doesn’t come with a playbook.

At the 2024 Fortune Global Forum on Tuesday, Brady got real about parenthood, shedding light on the unique struggles he faces as a father. Speaking candidly to Alyson Shontell, Brady admitted that even with all his accomplishments, being a parent has been his toughest role yet.“All the parents in the room know that being a parent is probably the hardest job all of us have,” Brady reflected. “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.”

The seven-time Super Bowl champion and 15-time Pro Bowler, known for his meticulous approach to the game, acknowledged that parenting doesn’t offer the same clarity as football. Brady, who’s a father to three-Jack, Benjamin, and Vivian-spoke about the humbling experiences he’s faced while trying to raise them. Each child, he says, brings unique challenges and lessons that have no easy answers.

Jack, his eldest, whom he shares with actress Bridget Moynahan, was Brady’s first introduction to fatherhood and a reminder that life can throw unexpected curveballs. Meanwhile, Benjamin and Vivian, his two younger children with ex-wife Gisele Bündchen, have their own needs and dreams, making Brady’s journey as a father all the more multifaceted.

Tom Brady’s new playbook: The power of presence and unwavering support

Despite the missteps he’s made along the way, Brady emphasized one thing he’s committed to: being a constant presence in his children’s lives. “I have three kids that I try to be dependable and consistent for,” he said, revealing the values he hopes to instill in them. His goal is to provide a foundation of support, much like the one his own parents gave him when he was an unassuming backup quarterback on his freshman team.

Reflecting on his youth, Brady noted that his parents never discouraged him from pursuing his dreams, even when they seemed far-fetched. This unwavering support, he believes, is something he’s determined to pass down. “Honestly, whatever our kids choose, for them to do anything in life, we got to support [them]. The blessing my parents gave me…they never said, ‘Man, don’t do that.’ They just said, ‘Go for it.'”

Brady’s revelation isn’t a resignation but rather a recognition of the lifelong journey that parenting demands. For someone who’s spent so much time under the spotlight, it’s clear he’s willing to take on the challenges of fatherhood with the same dedication he brought to the field.

Fans won’t have to wait long to hear more insights from Brady. This Sunday, during Week 11 of the NFL season, the sports icon will be offering his commentary, reminding us all that while he’s retired from the field, his voice-and now, his wisdom as a father-remains a valuable part of the game.