Tom Brady, the revered former NFL player, recently discussed the unexpected repercussions of his participation in the Netflix event, “The Greatest Roast of All Time: Tom Brady.”
The comedic event, presided over by Kevin Hart, aired on May 5, 2024. It scrutinized aspects of Brady’s personal and professional life, notably his well-publicized divorce from Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bündchen.
Brady, during an appearance on a podcast, conveyed regret over how the comedic jibes impacted his children. “I loved it when the jokes were about me. I enjoyed the jokes about me; they were quite entertaining,” said Brady. “However, I was displeased with how they impacted my children.”
The roast was relentless, highlighting Brady’s divorce, his two retirements, and even the “Deflategate” controversy.
The Deflategate controversy rocked the National Football League (NFL) in the U.S., centered around accusations that Tom Brady, then quarterback for the New England Patriots, had intentionally ordered the deflation of footballs during their win over the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship Game on January 18, 2015. This incident led to Brady receiving a suspension for four games. Additionally, the Patriots faced a penalty of a $1 million fine and lost two draft picks in the year 2016.
The continuous jesting about his split from Bündchen was particularly distressing for his family. Brady admitted that he had a revelation during the roast, realizing that the impact extended beyond him. “It was the bittersweet aspect of when you’re doing something you think is one way, and then suddenly you realize I wouldn’t do that again because of how it affected the people I care about the most in the world,” he affirmed.
Brady and Bündchen, who announced their separation in October 2022, have two children, Benjamin, 14, and Vivian, 11. Brady also has a son, Jack, 16, from his prior relationship with actress Bridget Moynahan. The personal nature of the jokes reportedly left Bündchen “deeply disappointed,” according to sources close to her.
The experience has prompted Brady to be more thoughtful as a parent. “It’s been a valuable lesson for me as a parent, and I aim to improve because of it,” Brady stated. Despite the backlash, he emphasized that the purpose of the roast was entertainment. “If we aren’t laughing about things, we’re crying,” he said, underscoring his belief in the importance of humor even in challenging times.
Throughout Brady’s notable 23-year NFL career, punctuated by seven Super Bowl wins and several MVP awards, he has often been the subject of public scrutiny. His recent reflections highlight the fine line public figures must walk between their professional and personal lives, particularly when their family is involved.
The Netflix roast, which attracted millions of viewers, underscored the public’s interest in Brady’s life off the football field. However, the event also initiated a discussion about the potential effects of such public displays on the families of those featured.
