In a candid conversation on ‘The Herd,’ Tom Brady, the renowned FOX Sports analyst and holder of seven Super Bowl rings, reflected on the challenging nature of his final NFL season. This period wasn’t just about the sport; it intertwined significantly with personal trials, notably affecting his marriage to Gisele Bundchen.

During the discussion, Brady, now 48, was prompted to share his insights on the potential retirement of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. As Rodgers contemplates his future at 42, Brady’s reflections on his own career’s twilight offered a poignant perspective.

Brady revealed how his last season was overshadowed by the tumult of his divorce from Bundchen, which unfolded mid-season. “My last season was tough,” he confessed. “I was navigating significant personal family issues, which posed a challenge and drained my ability to continue playing,” Brady shared openly on the show.

After dedicating 23 years to the sport, Brady felt no regret as he transitioned into retirement. He had long set his sights on stepping away at 45, and upon reaching that milestone, he was ready to embrace a new chapter. “I realized it was time,” Brady explained. “I wanted to be present for my kids’ activities and be there for their games, after they’ve supported me through countless seasons of mine.”

Brady’s decision to retire followed significant pressure from Bundchen, who had urged him to leave the field after he initially announced his retirement post-2021 season. Ultimately, his choice was driven by a desire to prioritize family and personal well-being over the relentless demands of professional football.

The end of Brady’s marriage came after he faced pressure from Bundchen to give up the sport after he initially announced his retirement after the 2021 season.

Tom Brady revealed the tough decision he faced when retiring from football

Brady was asked about the pressure that Pittsburgh Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers is dealing with

In his answer, Brady spoke about the personal turmoil he faced that led to his divorce from his wife of 13 years, Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen

Instead, Brady did a U-Turn and came back for the 2022 campaign, much to the chagrin of his then-wife.

In the midst of the season, Bundchen filed for divorce – ending their marriage after 13 years.

Three years after splitting from Brady, Bundchen married fiance Joaquim Valente on December 3. 

The wedding came shortly after the Brazilian supermodel and Valente, a jiu-jitsu instructor, welcomed their first child together, a baby boy. Bundchen and Valente reportedly began seeing each other in the midst of her divorce from Brady.

The Daily Mail understands that Brady was aware that the low-key wedding was taking place. News of Bundchen’s second marriage became public knowledge last week. 

Insiders insist the former quarterback is taking the news ‘in stride’ and remains focused on his children.

‘It wasn’t a secret to him. They still have to talk because of the kids, and important milestones like her getting married was something she wasn’t going to keep secret. He’s happy in a way that is simple: he’s happy that she is happy,’ a source told Daily Mail.

‘Down the line he might get married again and he would want her to be OK with that, so he has to be OK about it,’ the insider said.

Bundchen has since re-married her jiu jitsu instructor and has given birth to a child

Brady advised Rodgers to not return to the NFL unless he could commit for an entire season

As for his advice to Rodgers, Brady acknowledged how difficult it was to stop playing – but cautioned the former Packers man to not commit to a season unless he was ready to go all the way.

‘It’s hard to give up football, too,’ Brady admitted. ‘It’s something that we’re really good at. It’s something you love to do. You love being out there with your teammates.’

He continued, ‘I felt like I owed it to my teammates and coaches to give them everything I had. I wish it could have been a little bit better at the end, but it was just a unique situation, a unique year for me.’

After comparing a football season to a marathon where the ‘middle 20 miles’ are the hardest, Brady concluded, ‘So to me, it’s do you want to make the commitment year round?  

‘Because if you don’t, well, then it’s never going to turn out well when the season happens. In order to be a great NFL player, you’ve got to commit and be fully in. And that’s the only way your team is going to have a chance to win, especially when you’re a starting quarterback. And only Aaron can decide that for himself.’