Tom Brady Reveals Divorce from Gisele Bündchen Cast Shadow Over Final NFL Season

17 January 2026 Sports

TAMPA, Fla. — Tom Brady, one of the most celebrated quarterbacks in NFL history, has candidly shared how his divorce from supermodel Gisele Bündchen profoundly affected his performance during his final season in professional football. The seven-time Super Bowl champion, whose career spanned over two decades, acknowledged that the personal turmoil made the 2025 season especially challenging.

Speaking on FOX Sports’ “The Herd,” Brady reflected on the emotional toll the divorce took on him, saying, “My last season was tough. I was going through — I had a lot of, you know, just a personal, family issue, and it was a challenge. It was very … it just took a lot out of me in terms of, you know, my ability to continue to play.”

Brady’s final year was with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, marking the only season in his illustrious career where his team finished with a record below .500. The quarterback’s admission sheds light on the intersection of personal hardship and professional demands faced by elite athletes.

Throughout his career, Brady was known for his resilience and competitive spirit, qualities that helped him secure an unprecedented seven Super Bowl titles. However, the pressures of NFL competition coupled with his private struggles evidently created a difficult environment in his swan song season.

Brady’s openness about his experience highlights the broader conversation around mental health and personal well-being in professional sports. The NFL has increasingly recognized the importance of supporting players beyond the field, as seen in initiatives by the NFL Players Association focused on mental health resources.

His final season also coincided with significant shifts in the NFL landscape, including playoff races and coaching changes. For example, the Buccaneers’ 2025 campaign was marked by intense competition in the NFC South and evolving team dynamics. Meanwhile, other teams like the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos made headlines with playoff pushes and injuries to key players, as reported by the National Football League.

Brady’s comments have sparked conversations about the human side of professional athletes who often face immense scrutiny and expectations. The NFL’s commitment to player wellness, including programs under the USA Football initiative, aims to address these challenges.

As Brady transitions away from the gridiron, his reflections serve as a reminder of the complex realities behind athletic performance. His legacy remains intact, but his final season underscores that even legends grapple with personal battles.

For more on NFL player health and wellness initiatives, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sports safety resources.

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Written By
Marcus Reed follows major U.S. leagues, college sports and big events with an eye for the business, culture and community stories that live beyond the scoreboard.
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