Tom Brady, the name synonymous with NFL excellence, has officially retired from professional football, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy. But beyond the Super Bowl rings and MVP awards, what is Tom Brady’s net worth? The answer is a cool $300 million. It’s important to note this is separate from the fortune of his former wife, supermodel Gisele Bündchen, who independently boasts a net worth of $400 million. Together, prior to their divorce, Tom and Gisele’s combined net worth was an estimated $650 million.
Brady’s career spanned a record-breaking 10 Super Bowl appearances with both the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, securing seven victories – the most of any player in NFL history. He also holds the record for Super Bowl MVP awards (five) and NFL MVP awards (three).
In 2020, Brady transitioned from the New England Patriots, his home for two decades, to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This move involved a two-year, $50 million contract, with potential incentive bonuses of $9 million. By the time he concluded his illustrious NFL career, Brady had amassed over $473 million through salary and endorsements. Widely regarded as the greatest football player ever, his financial success is a testament to his on-field achievements and off-field marketability.
Key Facts About Tom Brady’s Wealth:
- Drafted as the 199th overall pick in the 2000 NFL Draft.
- Earned $230 million in his first 20 years in the NFL.
- Endorsement deals contributed over $150 million to his earnings.
- Once owned a Brentwood mansion, later sold to Dr. Dre for $50 million.
- Potentially faced a significant financial setback due to the FTX collapse.
Early Life and Rise to Stardom
Born on August 3, 1977, in San Mateo, California, Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr. grew up in a sports-loving family. The only son of Galynn and Thomas Brady, he has three older sisters: Nancy, Julie, and Maureen. Raised Catholic, he spent his childhood attending San Francisco 49ers games, idolizing quarterback Joe Montana. He also supported the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics. As a young boy, he attended football camp at the College of San Mateo, where future NFL quarterback Tony Graziani served as his counselor, teaching him the fundamentals of throwing a football.
Brady attended Junipero Serra High School, excelling in football, baseball, and basketball. He became the starting quarterback in his junior year and proactively sent highlight tapes to colleges during his senior year. Despite being a promising athlete, the college recruiting landscape was different in the mid-90s. Although he’d likely be considered a four-star recruit today, these rankings weren’t widely used then. Brady ultimately chose to play college football at the University of Michigan, turning down a draft offer from the Montreal Expos.
Initially a backup quarterback at Michigan, Brady persevered and eventually started every game in the 1998 and 1999 seasons. During his first full year as a starter, he set new Wolverine records for pass attempts and completions in a season. Despite his impressive college career, he wasn’t an early NFL draft pick. The New England Patriots selected him as the 199th pick in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft.
A Legendary Career: From Underdog to GOAT
Brady’s late draft selection makes him arguably the biggest “steal” in NFL Draft history. He became the Patriots’ starting quarterback in his second season and remained with the team for 20 seasons – an NFL record. He’s one of only two quarterbacks to win a Super Bowl in their first season as a starter. He’s also the winningest quarterback in NFL history and never had a losing season as a starter with the Patriots. He led the Patriots to a record 16 division titles. With a postseason record of 30–11, he leads all NFL players in playoff wins and appearances. Since 2011, Brady led the Patriots to an NFL-record eight consecutive AFC championship games (and 13 overall). He was selected to 14 Pro Bowls, tying the NFL record for most selections.
In March 2020, Brady announced his departure from the New England Patriots for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While in Tampa, he rented Derek Jeter’s waterfront mansion for a reported $70,000 per month. With the Bucs, he won his seventh Super Bowl, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 31-9. After briefly announcing his retirement in February 2022, Brady retired for good in February 2023, holding numerous NFL quarterback records.
Business Ventures and Endorsements
Beyond his NFL salary, Tom Brady has also ventured into various business opportunities and lucrative endorsement deals, significantly contributing to his overall wealth.
Brady’s Tampa Bay contract guaranteed him $50 million over two years, comprising a $15 million base salary and a $10 million roster bonus each year. Reaching specific milestones could have increased the contract to $60 million. Brady reportedly turned down a higher offer from the Patriots due to its lack of guaranteed money.
In May 2022, Brady reportedly signed a 10-year, $375 million deal with Fox Sports to join their broadcasting booth for NFL games upon his retirement. This would be the largest contract in sportscasting history, paying him significantly more than former quarterbacks-turned-commentators Tony Romo and Troy Aikman. However, recent reports suggest that Brady is reconsidering this deal.
The FTX Debacle
In June 2021, Tom and Gisele became “Brand Ambassadors” for the crypto exchange FTX. They appeared in multiple ads for the company, including one featuring Brady alongside founder Sam Bankman-Fried.
Following FTX’s collapse in November 2022 and Bankman-Fried’s subsequent arrest, details of Tom and Gisele’s compensation were revealed. Court documents showed that Brady received 1,144,861 common shares of FTX for his services, while Gisele received 686,761 shares.
Estimates suggest that at one point, their combined 1.8 million shares were worth around $57 million. They likely also received tens of millions in additional compensation. However, like other celebrity endorsers, they are unlikely to recoup any value from their equity stakes.
Personal Life, Real Estate and Lifestyle
Brady’s personal life has also been a subject of public interest, from his relationships to his real estate investments and strict lifestyle.
He dated actress Bridget Moynahan from 2004 to 2006. Moynahan confirmed in 2007 that she was pregnant with Brady’s child, John Edward Thomas Moynahan, who was born in August 2007.
Brady began dating Brazilian model Gisele Bündchen in December 2006, and they married in February 2009. They had two children together: a son born in 2009 and a daughter born in 2012. Tom and Gisele divorced in October 2022.
In March 2023, Brady purchased a minority stake in the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces from majority owner Mark Davis.
Brady follows a strict health regimen that includes Transcendental Meditation, yoga, an 80/20 diet, early bedtime, resistance training, and neuroplasticity training. He and his family adhere to the TB12 Method, a controversial strict diet.
Throughout his career, Brady has invested in numerous real estate properties, including:
- A custom-built mansion in Brookline, Massachusetts, which he later sold.
- A building in Boston, which he converted into condos.
- A Brentwood mansion in Los Angeles, sold to Dr. Dre for $50 million.
- A 12th-floor unit in New York City, which he sold for $40 million.
- An estate on Indian Creek Island in Miami.
- A property at the Yellowstone Club in Big Sky, Montana.
Legacy Beyond the Field
Tom Brady’s net worth is a reflection of his unparalleled success as a football player and his savvy business ventures. From his humble beginnings as a late-round draft pick to becoming one of the highest-paid athletes in the world, Brady’s story is a testament to hard work, dedication, and strategic decision-making. Even with the FTX setback, Brady’s financial future remains secure, solidifying his place as not just a football legend, but also a successful entrepreneur.
