Tom Brady is a former American football quarterback whose career became one of the most decorated in NFL history. After entering the league as the 199th overall pick in the 2000 NFL Draft, Brady spent two decades with the New England Patriots before finishing his playing career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Over 23 NFL seasons, he won seven Super Bowls, earned three NFL MVP awards, was selected to 15 Pro Bowls and established numerous league records. He officially retired from professional football in 2023.
Tom Brady Age and Birth
Tom Brady was born on August 3, 1977, in San Mateo, California.
As of 2026, he is 49 years old.
His full name is Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr. He grew up in California as the youngest of four children in his family.
Tom Brady Biography Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr. |
| Known as | Tom Brady |
| Born | August 3, 1977 |
| Birthplace | San Mateo, California, USA |
| Age | 49 years old in 2026 |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Former professional football quarterback, broadcaster and businessman |
| College | University of Michigan |
| NFL Draft | 2000 |
| Draft position | 199th overall, sixth round |
| NFL teams | New England Patriots, Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| Super Bowl wins | 7 |
| NFL MVP awards | 3 |
| Pro Bowl selections | 15 |
| NFL career | 2000-2022 |
| Retirement | 2023 |
Tom Brady’s Early Life
Brady grew up in San Mateo, California, in a family that followed sports closely.
As a young athlete, he participated in several sports before eventually focusing heavily on football. He attended JunÃpero Serra High School in San Mateo, where he played quarterback.
His high-school career eventually attracted attention from college football programs, leading him to the University of Michigan.
Tom Brady’s College Career
Brady played college football for the University of Michigan Wolverines.
His path to becoming a starting quarterback was not immediate. He initially had to compete for playing time before eventually becoming Michigan’s starter.
During his college career, Brady helped Michigan win the 1999 Orange Bowl over Alabama.
Despite his college experience, NFL teams did not select him until late in the 2000 draft.
The New England Patriots chose Brady with the 199th overall selection in the sixth round. That draft position became an important part of his career story because he went from being a late-round selection to one of the NFL’s most statistically successful quarterbacks.
Tom Brady’s NFL Career With the Patriots
Brady spent the first 20 seasons of his NFL career with the New England Patriots, from 2000 through 2019.
He became the team’s starting quarterback during his second NFL season after an injury to Drew Bledsoe.
That 2001 season became a major turning point.
Brady led the Patriots to the playoffs and eventually helped the team defeat the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI, earning his first Super Bowl championship.
The Patriots and Brady continued to reach the postseason regularly over the following years.
During his New England career, the team won:
- Six Super Bowl championships
- Nine AFC championships
- 17 AFC East division titles
Brady finished his Patriots career with franchise records for passing yards and touchdown passes.
Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
After leaving New England following the 2019 season, Brady signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The move immediately changed the direction of his career.
In his first season with Tampa Bay, Brady led the Buccaneers to the playoffs and eventually reached Super Bowl LV.
The Buccaneers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs, giving Brady his seventh Super Bowl championship.
He was also named Super Bowl MVP for the fifth time.
Brady continued playing for Tampa Bay through the 2022 season.
At age 45, he completed his final NFL season with 4,694 passing yards and 25 touchdown passes. According to NFL career statistics, he finished the 2022 campaign with 490 completions on 733 attempts.
Tom Brady’s Retirement
Brady initially announced his retirement from football in February 2022.
However, he reversed that decision approximately six weeks later and returned to the Buccaneers for another season.
After the 2022 season, Brady announced his retirement again in February 2023.
This time, he described the decision as permanent, bringing his playing career to an end after 23 NFL seasons.
Tom Brady’s NFL Records and Achievements
Brady finished his career with a long list of league records.
According to the NFL, his career totals included:
- 7,753 completions
- 89,214 passing yards
- 649 touchdown passes
- 251 regular-season wins
- 15 Pro Bowl selections
- 10 Super Bowl appearances
- 7 Super Bowl victories
- 5 Super Bowl MVP awards
- 3 NFL MVP awards
He also holds the NFL records for career starts and quarterback wins, among several other postseason and passing records.
Tom Brady’s Super Bowl Career
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Super Bowl appearances | 10 |
| Super Bowl victories | 7 |
| Super Bowl MVP awards | 5 |
| NFL MVP awards | 3 |
| Pro Bowl selections | 15 |
| NFL seasons | 23 |
| Career passing yards | 89,214 |
| Career touchdown passes | 649 |
| Career completions | 7,753 |
Tom Brady’s Playing Style
Brady was primarily known for his accuracy, pocket awareness, quick decision-making and ability to read opposing defenses.
Unlike some quarterbacks who relied heavily on speed or scrambling, Brady built much of his game around anticipation, timing and his understanding of defensive schemes.
His ability to remain productive late in his career also became one of the defining features of his playing career.
Tom Brady’s Patriots Hall of Fame Induction
In 2024, Brady was inducted into the New England Patriots Hall of Fame.
The Patriots also retired his famous No. 12 jersey during the ceremony at Gillette Stadium. The organization additionally announced plans for a statue honoring Brady.
His Patriots career included six Super Bowl championships and nine Super Bowl appearances.
The franchise also waived its normal waiting period for Brady’s induction, recognizing the significance of his two decades with the organization.
Tom Brady’s Life After Football
Following his retirement as a player, Brady moved into several professional ventures outside the NFL.
He became involved in sports broadcasting and business activities while remaining connected to professional football.
He was also announced as a future candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2028, based on the standard eligibility timeline following his retirement.
Tom Brady’s Family
Tom Brady has three children.
He was previously married to model and entrepreneur Gisele Bündchen, and the couple have two children together.
Brady also has a son from a previous relationship.
He has generally kept his children’s lives relatively separate from his professional football career, although his family was frequently present during major moments of his NFL career.
Tom Brady’s Legacy
Tom Brady’s career is defined by longevity, championships and statistical production.
He entered the NFL as a sixth-round selection and eventually became the quarterback with the most Super Bowl victories in league history.
His career also spanned multiple eras of the NFL. He played for the Patriots from 2000 through 2019 and then spent three seasons with Tampa Bay, winning another championship after changing teams.
His No. 12 jersey has been retired by the Patriots, and his place in the franchise’s history was formally recognized with his 2024 Patriots Hall of Fame induction.
More than two decades after entering the league, Brady’s career remains one of the most statistically documented quarterback careers in professional football.
Disclaimer: This biography is based on NFL records and established biographical information. Career statistics and honors reflect Brady’s completed NFL playing career and may be supplemented by future Hall of Fame or post-retirement developments.
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