Although Tom Brady has retired from the NFL, he admits the pressures of public life remain—especially as a parent in the spotlight. In a candid conversation on the Impaulsive podcast, the former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback opened up about how the jokes made during his recent Netflix roast deeply affected his children.
Brady, who is now balancing life as a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders and navigating public life post-retirement, reflected on how fame continues to bring personal challenges. These challenges are especially hard when they involve his children, whom he shares with ex-wife Gisele Bündchen.
Brady Says Roast Jokes Went Too Far for His Family
Speaking openly on the podcast, Brady admitted he didn’t expect the roast to have such a strong emotional impact on his children. While the event was full of jokes meant to entertain, one in particular—a jab from comedian Nikki Glaser—stood out. She said, “You have seven rings… well, eight now that Gisele gave hers back.” While the line drew laughter from the crowd, Brady said the next day was far from funny.
“It was tough on my kids for sure,” he said. “I felt like a stake through the heart when I talked to my kids the next day.”
Brady explained that while he’s used to being the target of public jokes and criticism, his children shouldn’t have to suffer because of it.
“You don’t know what to expect,” he added. “I love laughing at myself, but for my kids, that was really hard.”
His comments revealed a vulnerable side of the football legend—one not often seen during his career—and resonated strongly with many listeners, especially fellow parents.
Parenting Without a Playbook
Brady also spoke about the broader difficulties of parenting, particularly when raising kids in the public eye. He admitted he had made mistakes.
“There are some things as a parent you mess up and you don’t realize until after,” he said. “We’re not perfect parents. There’s no perfect manual for it.”
His honesty struck a chord with fans who have followed his career for decades but now see him through a different lens: that of a father trying to protect his children from public scrutiny.
Gisele Bündchen Focuses on Wellness and Co-Parenting
While Brady continues to reflect on his family’s challenges, Gisele Bündchen is moving forward on her own personal journey. Recently featured on the cover of Vogue France, she spoke about her view of health and wellness.
“To me, wellness goes far beyond physical health,” she said. “It’s not just about what you eat or how you move; it’s also about how you feel, think, and live.”
Despite their divorce, sources close to both Brady and Bündchen say they remain committed to one shared goal: protecting their children from the negative effects of life in the public eye. Though their lives have taken different paths, both continue to grow—as individuals and as co-parents.
