Originally appeared on E! Online
Tom Brady didn’t let his career fumble his role as a dad.
In fact, the former New England Patriots quarterback reflected on how more than two decades in the NFL helped him as he raised his children Jack, 17 — whom he shares with Bridget Moynahan — as well as his and ex-wife Gisele Bündchen kids Benjamin, 15, and Vivian, 12.
“I think part of being a great father is being a great example of doing what it takes to take care of your family,” Brady, 47, said in his 199 newsletter published July 29. “I chose to do it by playing football.”
“My dedication to the sport, the hours of practice, the moments when I was laser focused,” he continued. “Those were times when I believe I was doing the best possible thing for my family and my kids, by prioritizing my profession and teaching, by example, what it takes to be really good at your job, what it takes to follow through on commitments, what it takes to be a great teammate; and showing them, also by example, that work is a big part of all of our lives.”
READ Tom Brady’s Son Jack, 17, Is His Doppelganger in Family Photos
For Brady, who won seven Super Bowls over the course of his 23 seasons in the NFL, showing up for this family on and off the field was key.
“Remember, your children are watching everything,” Brady wrote. “They see what you do in every aspect of your life and how you do it. 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,” he said. “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.”
Brady’s balance paid off in the end as he often shares insight into his bonding time with the kids — including recently celebrating his time abroad with Jack, Benjamin and Vivian.
“Kids’ joyful chaos that reminds you what innocence feels like, and endless laughter echoing through every corner…,” Brady wrote in part in the caption of his July 29 post showcasing the family time. “This is life at its most beautiful. And I’m grateful for every second.”
Tom Brady won’t be getting roasted any time soon. The former NFL quarterback recently admitted that he has some regrets about his Netflix special.
