Tom Brady took an apparent swipe at his ex-wife, Gisele Bündchen, in a candid newsletter about parenting his children.
“I think part of being a great father is being a great example of doing what it takes to take care of your family,” the former NFL star wrote in his 199 newsletter released Tuesday. “I chose to do it by playing football.”
He continued, “My dedication to the sport, the hours of practice, the moments when I was laser focused — those were times when I believe I was doing the best possible thing for my family and my kids, by prioritizing my profession and teaching, by example, what it takes to be really good at your job, what it takes to follow through on commitments, what it takes to be a great teammate; and showing them, also by example, that work is a big part of all of our lives.”
Brady — who shares son Jack, 17, with ex Bridget Moynahan and kids Benjamin, 15, and Vivian, 12, with Bündchen — added that “reading bedtime stories and helping them with homework are not the only ways to be a great parent. And neither is winning Super Bowls or MVPs.”
“Being a great football player didn’t make me a great dad, but how I became a great player certainly had an impact — from showing up day in and day out, to doing whatever it took to get better, be successful, be a role model, and to provide,” he said.
“You won’t be perfect. Nobody is. You will fail and disappoint people along the way,” the NFL great continued. “But if you stay committed to your goals over time, even when your priorities shift (which they do at times), then you can be confident that you are living a life of integrity and purpose.”
Reps for Brady and Bündchen did not immediately return Page Six’s requests for comment.
Bündchen, 45, was said to be disappointed after her then-husband reversed his retirement in March 2022. By September of that year, the former Victoria’s Secret supermodel openly expressed her concerns about the decision.
“This is a very violent sport, and I have my children and I would like him to be more present,” she told Elle at the time, adding that she “definitely had those conversations with him over and over again.”
“I’ve done my part, which is [to] be there for [my husband],” she continued. “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.”
The pair divorced in October 2022 after 13 years of marriage while Brady, 47, played another season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
He announced his retirement “for good” in February 2023. “I’ll get to the point right away: I’m retiring for good,” he said in an Instagram video at the time.
“I know the process was a pretty big deal last time, so when I woke up this morning, I figured I’d just press record and let you guys know first.”
He added, “Thank you, guys, for allowing me to live my absolute dream. I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Bündchen welcomed her first child with boyfriend Joaquim Valente in February. Brady, meanwhile, has been linked to supermodel Irina Shayk and Sofía Vergara since the divorce.
Earlier this month, a source told Page Six that the retired athlete and the “Modern Family” alum were having a “summer romance.”