Tom Brady, the 49-year-old former NFL quarterback, has recently drawn attention for his role in a new Gucci fashion campaign, which included him walking a runway in Times Square and posing in a striking pair of leather pants. This venture into modeling, his first since retiring from professional football in 2022, has led to widespread online commentary, with many suggesting it points to a "midlife crisis."
Brady's admission of trying leather pants for the first time, describing them as "really comfortable" and feeling like a "uniform," has been a focal point of the discussion. Social media users have drawn comparisons to a scene from the sitcom "Friends" involving the character Ross Geller and have expressed concerns about Brady's post-playing career direction. Phrases like "You either die a hero or live long enough to be a leather pants guy at 49" have circulated online.
Since stepping away from the NFL, Brady has embarked on a new phase of his life, which includes a 10-year, $375 million broadcasting deal with Fox and a divorce from Gisele Bündchen in October 2022. He is set to begin his role as the lead NFL color analyst on September 13.
Beyond his modeling and broadcasting commitments, Brady has also been in the public eye for other recent activities. He celebrated his 49th birthday on a luxurious vacation with his children. Additionally, he has been linked to a potential foray into professional wrestling, with past interactions sparking speculation. NFL insider Mike Florio has suggested that Brady's recent public activities, including his interest in WWE, could be part of a larger strategy, potentially related to a future political run, noting that discussions about Brady running for president are not new.
Brady also made light of his modeling attire in relation to his broadcasting career, joking to GQ that his producer and director at Fox might not approve of him appearing on air without a shirt, a look he also sported in one of the Gucci campaign photos. He expressed uncertainty about how the football audience would react to such an appearance during a game.