Tom Brady’s retirement sparked an array of tributes from NFL legends, including Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft.
But how about “the Old GOAT?”
Tom Brady Sr. spoke to journalist Mark Leibovich about his son’s retirement for a piece in the Atlantic, “The Quiet Desperation of Tom Brady.” In it, Leibovich, a renowned journalist who penned the first feature story about Brady that delved into the TB12 Method, writes about how he wonders whether Brady will be able to cope with life away from the gridiron.
Tom Brady Sr. agrees.
“I think he is going to have a huge void in his life,” he said.
Leibovich says he’s always viewed Brady’s obsession with football differently than others. While many people focus on Brady’s sacrifices to keep playing — including his family — he’s focused on Brady’s desperation.
When Leibovich was reporting his 2015 story about Brady, “Tom Brady Cannot Stop,” the all-time great quarterback opened up about the void that retiring from the NFL would leave in his life.
“You need a purpose when you wake up every morning,” said Brady. “When I don’t have the purpose of football, I know that’s going to be a really hard thing for me.”
That was eight years ago. At the time, Brady was 37. He put together another Hall of Fame career in the subsequent years, winning four more Super Bowls, including three with the Patriots.
Brady Sr. recognizes his son’s drive for excellence. But more than anything, he thinks Brady was addicted to the football life.
“Nothing will ever replace the joy Tommy had playing in football games, hanging with teammates, and joshing around in the locker room,” he said. “Somehow he’s going to have to find a substitute for that, just like every other guy has.”
Brady will have his choice of substations. There’s TB12, his apparel brand, BRADY ™, and his production company, 199 Productions. Oh, and there’s also his 10-year, $375 million contract with Fox Sports to call NFL games, which apparently won’t start until 2024.
By then, Brady will have had two years to figure out his post-football life. Despite his privilege, it probably won’t be easy.
