Ex-NFL player Tom Brady recently shared his thoughts on the unintended aftermath of his participation in Netflix’s “The Greatest Roast of All Time: Tom Brady.”
The program, led by comedian Kevin Hart, was broadcast on May 5, 2024, and included pointed humor at Brady’s personal and career history, including his very public divorce from Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bündchen.
In a recent podcast interview, Brady conveyed his concerns about how the roast’s jokes affected his children. “I loved it when the jokes were about me. I enjoyed the jokes about me; they were quite entertaining,” Brady said. “However, I was displeased with how they impacted my children.”
The comedians of the roast did not shy away from Brady’s divorce, his two retirements, and the “Deflategate” controversy.
The Deflategate controversy rocked the National Football League (NFL) in the U.S., centered around accusations that Brady, the 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 roast’s persistent jokes about his separation from Bündchen were especially hurtful for his family. Brady conceded that he had a moment of clarity 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 explained.
Brady and Bündchen, who revealed their split in October 2022, have two children, Benjamin, 14, and Vivian, 11. Additionally, Brady has a 16-year-old son, Jack, from a previous relationship with actress Bridget Moynahan. The personal nature of the roast’s humor reportedly left Bündchen “deeply disappointed,” according to sources close to her.
Reflecting on the event, Brady noted that it served as a learning experience in his journey as a parent. “It’s been a valuable lesson for me as a parent, and I aim to improve because of it,” he said. Despite the backlash, Brady emphasized that the roast was intended to be entertaining. “If we aren’t laughing about things, we’re crying,” he added, underscoring his philosophy of finding humor amid challenging circumstances.
Throughout his 23-year NFL career, which includes seven Super Bowl wins and numerous MVP awards, Brady’s life has always been in the public eye. His recent comments highlight the tricky balance public figures must strike between their careers and personal lives when their families are involved.
The roast, which streamed live on Netflix, attracted a sizable audience, demonstrating the public’s interest in Brady’s life outside of football. However, it has also initiated a discussion about the potential impacts of such public displays on the families of those involved.
