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,” Tom 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.”
More from E! Online
For Tom, 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,” Tom 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.”
Tom Brady/Instagram
“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.”
Tom’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…,” Tom 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.”
Keep reading for more of Tom’s moment with his kids…
Happy Birthday, Jack
Gisele Bündchen shared this family photo on Instagram on Tom Brady’s son Jack’s 14th birthday, writing, “Happy birthday Jack! We are all so lucky to have you in our lives. Thank you for being the best big brother in the world. We love you soooo much!”
Celebrate Good Times
While wearing his Christopher Cloos x Brady sunglasses, Tom celebrates his Super Bowl win with daughter Vivian during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers boat parade.
V for Victory
After winning his seventh Super Bowl, the Tampa Bay quarterback celebrated with his daughter Vivian.
Family Man
Tom snuggled with his kids John “Jack” Moynahan (with ex Bridget Moynahan), Vivian and Benjamin in this adorable photo snapped by Gisele on Father’s Day.
Quarterback In Training
Brady went from quarterback to coach with his son on the beach, writing on Instagram that he’s “#dadsfavoriteworkoutpartner.”
XOXO
Gisele shared this adorable photo on Instagram of Tom giving his son a kiss on the forehead.
The Whole Team
The whole Brady-bünch posed together at the Mercedes-Benz in Atlanta ahead of the Super Bowl LIII, which the Patriots later won.
Clowning Around
Tom lurked as Pennywise the Dancing Clown in a window behind his family as they celebrate Halloween in 2018.
Daddy’s Little Girl
As Tom geared up for another football season, he stopped to give his daughter a little love and clearly this one has her dad’s full attention.
Horsing Around
In July 2018, the Brady bunch headed out of town for a family vacation and they couldn’t look any happier on their horseback riding adventure.
Goofballs
Tom celebrated Father’s Day with a family dinner and lots of silly photos with his younger son, Ben.
Group Hug
There’s nothing sweeter than seeing the greatest quarterback of all time (he has seven Super Bowl rings) get smothered in love by his three kids.
Chill Dad
Even though it was springtime, Tom bundled up with Ben for a fun day outside…complete with a little training.
Some Bunny Loves You
Tom Brady as the Easter bunny? Who would’ve guessed?!
Familia
The super sweet family was all smiles during one of Brady’s episodes of Tom vs. Time.
Chow Time
After playing in another Super Bowl, Tom took a little break with his family, complete with burger time and selfies.
Win Or Lose
Even though the Patriots lost the 2018 Super Bowl, Tom had his support squad ready and waiting to cheer him up.
Go Pats!
Ahead of Super Bowl LII, the Patriots QB posed for pictures with his whole family including Gisele and oldest son Jack, second-born Ben, and daughter Vivian.
Birthday Boy
The New England Patriots quarterback showed his second oldest son a little love on his birthday in December of 2017, writing, “Happy Birthday to the sweetest 8 year old boy a mom and dad could ever ask for! So filled with love and joy! We are so proud of you Benny! And you shine a light that brightens our lives every day! We love you.”
Baking Buddy
Vivian was the ultimate sous chef as her dad made her biscuits before Thanksgiving and really, what can’t Brady do?
Hammock Life
The dynamic duo of Tom and Ben spent a November day swinging in a hammock together and we really wish we had some R&R like this in our near future.
Wax On, Wax Off
Leave it to Tom to teach his son more than just football.
Summer Fun
The Brady crew rolled around in the grass and enjoyed spending time together in June 2017 and it really does look like they are having a blast.
Silly Bradys
Who says you’re too old to make funny faces?