Since his widely publicized divorce from Gisele Bündchen, Tom Brady has been working to reinvent his public image.
Once criticized as cold, absent, and uncompromising during the split, Brady now aims to appear softer and more relatable in an effort to sway public opinion.
Earlier this month, in a swift and decisive move, Brady addressed perceptions about his aloof image with female partners. He denied making astonishing remarks attributed to him regarding actress Sofia Vergara.
The former football star was seen cozying up to Vergara, and the two appeared to be a match, or at least an extended fling. However, it was then claimed that Tom Brady pulled a petty move by declaring the Modern Family actress was too old for him. Sources told the Daily Mail that he “wasn’t romantically interested… because she’s ‘older and stuck in her ways.'”
Following the publication of the alleged remarks, the former athlete was widely criticized for his rude stance on dating an older woman.
While he has the right to not want more with Vergara, he could have been a gentleman and stayed quiet about it. However, just hours after the remarks went viral, a representative for Tom released a statement to PEOPLE completely denying that rumor, saying, “Tom never said, nor would he ever say, anything like this. It is pure fiction.”
After the divorce, Tom Brady also faced allegations of being an absent father from the Brazilian supermodel and business mogul. Responding in a detailed newsletter, the multi-Super Bowl winner defended his parenting style, “emphasizing career dedication as a model of commitment and hard work for his three children.”
According to Page Six, Brady wrote, “I think part of being a great father is being a great example of doing what it takes to take care of your family. I chose to do it by playing football.”
Brady, who is a dad to Jack, 18, with ex Bridget Moynahan, and kids Benjamin, 15, and Vivian, 12, with Bündchen, went on to say in the letter: “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 concluded by saying, “You won’t be perfect. Nobody is. You will fail and disappoint people along the way. 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.”
Many viewed the letter as a public and direct address to his ex-wife’s criticisms.
More recently, the dynamic shifted as Gisele Bündchen now faces scrutiny, with critics accusing her of overlooking her stepson’s important milestones in a reversal of roles.
This week, Jack, Tom Brady, and his mother, Bridget Moynahan, celebrated his 18th birthday. The proud father shared a photo of his teen towering over him with a heartfelt message that read: “From little steps to big dreams, happy birthday Jack. You’ve always shown grace, courage, love, and kindness since God blessed us with your arrival. I’m so proud of the man you are! Welcome to adulthood, it comes with higher credit card limits, bigger bills, and no curfew… OK, maybe not all at once!”
Immediately after the birthday post, observers noted Gisele Bündchen, once a devoted step-parent to Jack and a regular social media presence, remained silent, reigniting debate and shifting questions about which co-parent is truly absent.
