Before he married Brazilian model Gisele Bündchen, NFL star Tom Brady was madly in love with actress Bridget Moynahan. The duo split back in 2006, but a little bundle of joy intertwined their lives forever. Two and a half months into his new relationship with Gisele, Tom found out Bridget was carrying his child. The surprising plot twist posed quite a challenge to all the parties involved.
Incredibly, Tom managed to father his son and stay on good terms with Bridget, all while building a loving relationship with Gisele. The exes’ co-parenting turned out to be such a success that parents from all over the world have turned to them for advice.
Here’s how the family managed to keep it together and thrive.
Young and in Love
Tom and Bridget Moynahan first locked eyes in 2004, and they hit it off straight away. Both were in an excellent place in their lives, with Bridget’s acting career on the rise and Tom’s quarterback reign in full force. They shared a mutual passion for working hard and playing hard.
To everyone, Tom and Bridget a match made in heaven. And during the early stages of their relationship, they were all smiles, hugs, and kisses. They would walk on the red carpet together, hand in hand, looking like two glamorous stars, over the moon and madly in love.
An Unexpected Plot Twist
When the Patriots quarterback and the I, Robot actress finally decided to become exclusive, people were already urging them to take the next step. Speculations about their wedding began flying, and people started imagining Bridget in a white dress and Tom in a charming black suit. Therefore, it was an absolute shock when news of their breakup hit the media.
The two stars were close as can be, until 2006, when they broke up after nearly three years of dating. The split was difficult for both lovers, but they told the press that it was a mutual decision, one that was necessary for their well-being. They ended on good terms, and for a while there, things seemed amicable between the two. That is, until a little bundle of joy changed everything.
Bronze Skinned and Golden Locks
Several weeks after Brady and Moynahan broke up, Tom attended a party in the Hills where he first laid eyes on Brazilian model Gisele Bundchen. Even though he had just gotten out of a long-term relationship with Bridget, it was obvious to him that he had to get closer to Bündchen.
Their instant chemistry was hard to miss. The new love birds went from 0 to 100 in a matter of weeks, with Tom stating that he was on cloud nine ever since meeting Gisele and that he had found the woman of his dreams. But while the two were going out on dates, Brady’s former girlfriend was going through something significantly different.
They Agreed to Make It Work
In the winter of 2006, Bridget found out that she was carrying Brady’s child. The discovery hit her like a ton of bricks, as she had never pictured herself a single mom. But she spent little time dwelling on her doubts and fears and quickly told Brady the news. After careful deliberation, the two agreed to make it work.
“I’m not sure anyone – and I could be wrong about this – grows up thinking, ‘I want to be a single mom,'” Moynahan said at the time, adding that “When you’re suddenly pregnant, and no one is standing by your side, even if you’re in your 30’s, it’s a hard conversation. I’m a traditional girl, and I believe in marriage, and I just always thought that’s the way I’d be doing this. For a moment, it was hard for me to accept that this was the way I was going to have a family.”
Single, Famous, and Pregnant with Your Ex’s Kid
Looking back, Bridget Moynahan shared that being famous and pregnant with the baby of a man she had just split with was a terrible combination. She became the center of attention, and no matter where she went, the paparazzi jumped on her and snapped photos from all angles.
Bridget admitted that she feels like she didn’t experience pregnancy as she would have wanted to. “I had a public breakup, and then I was pregnant, and then I had a baby,” she explained, “and those moments were kind of stolen from me by the paparazzi, the tabloids, whatever.”
Gisele Thought of Breaking Up With Tom
Tom was at a loss for words after finding out that his ex was pregnant. He had just started a new relationship with a woman he cherished deeply, and now, he was expecting a child from the woman he once loved. It was a confusing time and one that caused some turbulence with his new girlfriend.
Gisele had doubts when Brady told her about Bridget’s pregnancy. She wondered what to do – encourage him to get back with his ex so that they could build a family together? Or stick by his side and navigate these turbulent times alongside him? “You question at times- ‘Should I stay here? Maybe you should work this out,” Gisele explained, “But when people break up, it’s for a reason.”
They Came Out Stronger Than Ever
It wasn’t easy for Gisele and Tom to get used to the new situation, but they kept an open mind and worked hard to cultivate strong communication. Gisele shared, “It was definitely a surprise for both of us. In the beginning, you’re living this romantic fantasy; you’re thinking, ‘This can’t be true, it’s so good!’ And then whoops – wake-up call!”
They managed to come out stronger than ever, and even though they had only been together for two and a half months before finding out the news, their relationship kept on flourishing. “It was a very challenging situation. Obviously, in the beginning, it’s not the ideal thing,” Gisele added.
Gisele Treated John as if He Were Hers
On August 22, 2007, Bridget gave birth to their child, John “Jack” Edward Thomas Moynahan. And in an instant, all the ups and downs and the fears and doubts were washed away by the arrival of this little one. It all vanished in an instant once Bridget looked into her little boy’s eyes. Even Gisele, who was unsure of her role in the situation, immediately knew that John deserved the world and that she would do everything in her power to care for him.
Gisele gushed over the baby in an interview, exclaiming, “He’s a little angel – the sweetest, most cuddly, loving baby. I feel blessed to have him in my life. I understand that he has a mom, and I respect that, but to me, it’s not like because someone else delivered him, that’s not my child. I feel it is 100 percent. I want him to have a great relationship with his mom because that’s important, but I love him the same way as if he were mine. I already feel like he’s my son from the first day.”
Brady and Bundchen Found Each Other at the Right Time
In 2009, two years after Jack’s birth, Tom and Gisele tied the knot. They overcame the hardships of their early relationship and managed to come out a whole lot stronger. In a matter of ten days, they organized a private ceremony at the church of Santa Monica in California.
Tom said about his wife: “I’m blessed to find this life partner that we all kind of seek at different times in our life. We found each other at the right time. We’ve been through a lot of ups and downs together, and in so many ways, that’s kind of built our relationship so strong.”
The Newlyweds’ First Child
The couple married in February of 2009, and by the time the year reached its end, they welcomed their first child together, Benjamin Rein Brady. The addition of another kid to the family definitely added to their challenging co-parenting environment, but Tom, Gisele, and Bridget always found ways to make it easier.
Bridget once told People magazine, “I think from the very beginning the whole goal specifically was always to keep it positive.” She explained that the central goal was always “to raise my son in the healthiest environment.” She encourages any parent raising a kid outside marriage to make their child their priority, always.
“My Son Is Surrounded by Love”
Bridget Moynahan has always been candid about her desire for all the kids to grow up in a happy and lively environment. “I have a relationship with these people on a daily basis. I’m raising a child, and it’s public,” she said. “My son has two loving parents and an extended family, whether it’s cousins or stepmothers or boyfriends.”
“Tom and I made a decision to raise a child together,” she added, “and we both found partners that not only support us in raising that child but also love our child as if he was their own. I don’t think you can ask for more than that.”
A Star Athlete and an All-Star Dad
In an interview conducted in 2013, Tom Brady said of his experiences with co-parenting, “I’ve navigated the challenges, and now we just do what we need to do as a family.” The pro-athlete keeps his personal life as far away from the cameras as possible, for the sake of his kids.
Because they’re constantly being followed around by the media, the three parents have agreed on a mutual goal – keep the kids away from the limelight as much as possible. They know that adults can handle the media’s gaze relatively better and that fame usually hits kids a lot harder.
Another Little Angel
On December 5, 2012, Gisele Bundchen gave birth to a baby girl, Vivian Lake Brady. Shortly after the delivery, Tom and Gisele released a short statement: “We feel so lucky to have been able to experience the miracle of birth once again and are grateful for the opportunity to be the parents of another little angel.”
It’s clear to everyone that this little girl has her daddy wrapped around her finger. Tom often shares how hard it is to say no to her, “I let my daughter do basically anything she wants, which is a little bit of a problem in the house. The boys I’m definitely tougher on, but it’s so hard with a little girl who just looks at you and smiles, and she knows exactly what to say to get her dad to do exactly what she wants.”
The Leaked Emails
A little after the Superbowl controversy, Deflategate, the press was doing everything they could to destroy Tom Brady’s name. They even went so far as to expose personal emails between Tom and Bridget. Unfortunately, it seemed to have the opposite effect of what they had hoped for.
The leaked emails were far from scandalous. On the contrary, they showed how successful the co-parenting between the two was. One email Moynahan sent to Brady read, “Isn’t it cool that Jack got a reading award!? He gets to wear a reading star pin now too. So proud.” To which Brady responded with, “He is such a smart boy. And he is a hard worker. I’m so proud of him.”
Fun Family Vacations
Despite the parents’ hectic working schedules, quality time with the kids is at the top of their priority list. They know how important it is to relax, so they always carve out enough time during the year to go on vacations and travel the world.
Even though being an All-Star quarterback and an international model may seem like a vacation in and of itself, it certainly isn’t. They have to follow strict schedules and run from here to there and back again multiple times a day. A few weeks off with the kids each year is mandatory!
Horseback Riding
One of the many activities the family enjoys doing together is horseback riding. They love trekking through tall grass, and they clearly appreciate every second they have to enjoy some exciting family time. Pictures from their horseback riding trips radiate joy, relaxation, and gratitude!
These kinds of trips are necessary for the family, allowing them to distance themselves from the probing eyes of the media. Tom’s kids love hanging outdoors, and they love anything that has to do with sports, so horseback riding checks both of those boxes, making it one of their favorite activities of all time.
Gisele Is Grateful for Jack
In an interview with People magazine, Gisele shared how happy she was to be a “second mom” to Jack. “I’m so grateful for [Bridget],” she said, “I know this was hard, but I couldn’t imagine my life without [Jack]. I call him my bonus child.” Gisele told the interviewer that Jack “opened my heart in ways I didn’t even know my heart could expand.”
I think all of us wish all mothers and stepmothers to get along as well as this duo does. Not only is it incredibly healthy for a kid to grow up in a peaceful environment, but it also calms the parents. Knowing that your kid is in the hands of a person who genuinely loves them is reassuring.
In It Together
Any man would feel good knowing that his ex and the mother of his kid gets along with his current wife and the mother of his two other kids. It’s clear that both women have a positive relationship with each other. Let’s just hope that it’s as peaceful behind closed doors as it is in the public eye!
Gisele and Bridget are often seen hugging each other when they cross paths on the street. It’s great for the children to see that you can still be friendly and on good, favorable terms even after splitting up. You’ve got to salute the families for keeping it together like this.
Moms Stick Together
Bridget and Gisele are two hard-working moms who know it’s OK to rely on each other. They stick together and have each other’s backs no matter what. Remaining on good terms helps them thrive, both as moms and humans.
It’s a joy seeing women work together instead of against each other. More often than not, jealousy gets in the way, making it virtually impossible to connect. Luckily, they seem to have pushed aside any detrimental thoughts and beliefs. Not only for the kids’ sake but for their own as well.
The Apple Didn’t Fall Far From the Tree
Tom Brady has said time and again that his son Jack reminds him of himself when he was a kid. The two are alike in so many respects, including sports. Really, the similarities that come out when Jack is on the field with his dad are startling.
You can often catch him throwing tosses to his dad on the sidelines before the start of a game. And while Tom has mentioned that he doesn’t need any of his kids to follow in his athletic footsteps, it seems like Jack has caught the football bug.
He Puts His Family First
Tom has clarified that while raising a family isn’t easy, it’s something that he truly enjoys and is willing to sacrifice everything for. It’s all about choosing what is most important and putting it above everything else. And for the Bradys, it’s always the kids.
In a 2019 interview, Tom confessed, “I try to do the best I can do. And I’m certainly not perfect.” He added that he tries his best to keep his priorities in line. His priorities include – his kids, wife, and career. “All those things have their nuances and challenges,” Tom admitted. “But if you’re committed to them and you prioritize them, then you figure out how to make them work.”
No Bad-Mouthing or Petty Drama
From the pictures that Bridget and Tom post of their son Jack, it’s clear to everyone that he’s truly happy and healthy. They’ve obviously built a strong foundation of respect and trust with one another. Jack feels free to communicate with both his parents and love them equally, with no jealousy or hard feelings involved.
No parent has ever tried to sway Jack’s opinion one way or the other, and they rarely fight over different parenting styles. Luckily, Jack has never had to deal with his mom and dad bad-mouthing each other, and he has experienced nothing but mature, honest, and respectful love.
Friendship Matters
If you’ve either been through a divorce yourself or grown up with divorced parents, you know that breakups take a serious toll on everyone involved. So, seeing that Tom, Gisele, and Bridget can sit together and have a good time really goes to show how mature and grounded they are.
The three regularly join forces to watch Jack play sports and show him that all three of them have his back. Having two loving parents and another stepmom to cheer you on is enough to make any kid feel important, supported, and loved.
A Stable Atmosphere
Whenever Tom is in L.A., Jack rushes to be with him. He can be seen on the sidelines of all of Tom’s games, rooting him on, congratulating him on his triumphs, and even giving him tips on what he could have done better in the game.
Jack and Tom have an incredibly strong bond that probably has a lot to do with the healthy co-parenting the adults around him were able to nurture. All three of them put Jack first, and that provided him with a stable atmosphere.
Like Father Like Son
“Jack is just like me – he holds a lot in,” Tom once mentioned. The boy loves sports, loves working hard, and loves impressing his father. “That was me. I’d wake up early on weekends to do stuff with my dad,” Tom added. “That’s why I didn’t party a lot. If Dad wanted to golf, I wanted to be there with him. And if I ever missed those things, it would crush me.”
To be honest, watching Jack grow up is super entertaining. He’s basically a mini-me of the Patriots quarterback! We’re sure that within time he’ll keep developing his own unique style, and, who knows, he might even become greater than his dad.
A Family of Football Fanatics
Tom’s kids love watching him play football, but Jack loves watching his dad so he can improve his own game. He constantly asks his dad questions, searching for answers and explanations for all the different moves. He’s always looking to improve himself.
Tom once mentioned in an interview, “I’ll talk to my son Jack about the game and what he thought of the game, and he’ll say, ‘Dad, what were you doing on this play?! Why didn’t you just do this?!'” He also added that when little Jack isn’t playing football, he’s watching other people play, and when he’s not watching, he’s talking about it. “It’s a great thing for a dad, and for all of us, when our kids are interested in what we’re doing,” Tom shared.
Bridget Searched for Love
Life as a single mom can get quite hectic, so it took a while for Bridget to get back on the dating wagon. She got so focused on motherhood and career that she kind of forgot herself along the way. But love wasn’t something she was willing to give up, and when Jack was around four years old, she began dating Joseph McGinty Nichol, a famous director also known as McG.
For a couple of months, things looked promising, but they didn’t last very long, and after a brief romance, they parted ways. During that time, Moynahan tried hard not to fall into despair, despite the lingering feelings of loneliness that crept up on her here and there.
The Man of Her Dreams
Eventually, Bridget Moynahan found comfort, understanding, and respect in the arms of businessman Andrew Frankel, whom she fell deeply in love with. On October 17, 2015, the two lovers exchanged vows at Wolffer Estate Vineyards in the Hamptons.
Despite her close relationship with Tom and Gisele, Bridget felt it was best not to invite them. The ceremony was small and included only a few friends and family. Her son Jack obviously attended, but without his papa by his side. The wedding was beautiful and intimate and with just the right amount of people.
They Still Enjoy Each Other’s Company
Despite having gone through so much trouble and having a ton of responsibilities and issues to deal with on a daily basis, Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen have somehow managed to keep the fire going between the two. They’ve managed to keep their marriage fun, fresh, and full of excitement.
This picture was taken recently, on Valentine’s Day, and it looks like they managed to get away from the kids for a few days to have some romantic quality time as husband and wife. Tom and Gisele? We’re jealous. It looks you guys are more in love than ever.
Fluffy, Scooba, and Lua
Another reason why Tom and Gisele’s family has such a great dynamic is due to their three furry friends, their dogs Fluffy, Lua and Scooba. The kids spend a lot of time playing with the dogs, feeding them, treating them, and taking them out for long walks in nature.
The family often uploads pictures of them strolling around parks together. Tom recently uploaded a photo on his Instagram account of his son and Lua spending time together. “Our oldest boy and our oldest girl,” he wrote in the caption. Animals certainly bring incredible joy to a lot of families around the world, and Tom’s family is no different!
A Little Party Never Hurt Anybody
It looks like there’s always a reason for celebration in the Brady household. Whether birthdays or anniversaries, the whole family is always pleased to come together to party-hardy on those big days. They always take it to social media to connect with their other “family,” their fans.
Tom always posts on his social media a little birthday message for each of his kids. “Happy Birthday Benny! 10 years old, and I couldn’t be any more blessed to be your Dad!” he wrote on his Instagram account. “We love you so much! This smile makes my day!”
Making His Mom Proud
One thing that Tom Brady is truly happy about is the fantastic relationship his mom Galynn has with his kids. “I couldn’t imagine a Mom and a daughter that I could possibly love and adore more than these two!” he wrote on his Instagram account.
“These two fill my heart every day!” he added. It has been a bumpy ride for Galynn these past few years, as she has had a tough battle with cancer. However, by 2019, her health had improved tremendously.
His Instagram Is Full of Family Photos
Tom Brady could easily fill his social media accounts with impressive pictures of him on the field. Throwing, running, falling, flying but, instead, he prefers to post fun family pictures, highlighting just how much he adores his little tribe.
He’s always more interested in showing off his adorable family to the world. While some people tend to be more private and stay away from social media, Tom and Gisele don’t seem to have this concern and are more than happy to share intimate family moments with fans on Facebook and Instagram.
Vamos a La Playa!
When you’re considered one of the best in the world at what you do, you’re likely going to be doing it all the time, even when you’re not working. On days when he relaxes, Tom still carries a ball around to play with his kids. Even if they’re just tanning on the beach.
He loves nothing more than playing some football with his kids on the warm sand. It’s the perfect place to fall with no fear of getting hurt. Even though it would be completely okay for them to just kick back and relax under the sun, Brady always stays active.
Getting Creative in the Kitchen
Both Tom and Gisele know how necessary it is to treat yourself to some good, scrumptious food. Gisele uploaded this picture of the two of them and Benjamin eating some yummy cookies that Qatar Museums Chairperson Mayassa brought them.
While they’ve taught their children critical life lessons like the importance of healthy eating, they’ve also taught them that it’s OK to enjoy the finer things in life every once in a while. “Breakfast of champions! Seriously Mayassa, we can’t stop eating your cake,” Gisele wrote on her Instagram.
Happy Papa’s Day!
The perfect family dynamic is when both children and parents are equally enthusiastic about showing each other how much they love one another. When Father’s Day comes around, Tom’s family makes sure to let him know how much they appreciate him!
Gisele uploaded a picture on social media and wrote: “Happy Father’s Day my love. There are no words to describe how much you mean to us. There’s nothing that we love more than being with you… You are the best dad!”
In Rain or Shine
Undoubtedly one of Tom Brady’s most incredible achievements is the fact that he has participated in nine Super Bowls and has won six of them. A true football legend! But even if he were to lose all of them, his family would still cheer him on.
Gisele and the children were quick to run to Tom’s side after he helped the Patriots win their most recent game in 2018. “What a special night. Congratulations Patriots! Congratulations my love!” Gisele wrote on Instagram. “Your tireless commitment, discipline, and hard work never cease to amaze me. We love you!”
A Unicorn for the Princess
As mentioned before, Tom Brady has a special relationship with his little girl Vivi. While he easily builds a natural bond with his boys through football, Tom builds his relationship with Vivi around other things. Fathering a daughter brought out different sides to him.
He playfully asked his followers on Instagram if they could help him find out where to purchase a unicorn for Vivi’s birthday. The caption he attached to the picture he posted on Instagram read, “You are a gift to all of us.”
Lazy Sunday Afternoons
When the weekend comes around, the Brady-Bundchen bunch loves nothing more than storming into the bedroom and jumping all over their parents’ bed. They smother Tom and Gisele with kisses and cuddles and, to be honest, the parents wouldn’t have it any other way.
Gisele mentioned that she often catches Tom having a casual afternoon nap with the kids all around him, embracing their dad from every angle. It’s so adorable to see that many times she decides to join in on the snuggly fun herself.
It’s Game Over
Regardless of how tired Tom might be after a game or how badly bruised he is, he still makes sure to run to his family after a game and give them a hug. He puts off everything, including sleep, to make sure his loved ones are doing fine.
As mentioned before in the article, before being a quarterback, Tom Brady is a family man. He just also happens to be one of the greatest football players of all time. He’s incredibly skilled and knows just how to balance his career and family life.
An Amicable Agreement
Bridget and Tom made it perfectly clear from the get-go that in order to make co-parenting work, they would have to stay away from the media’s nonsense. They promised to avoid talking about each other to interviewers. They didn’t want Jack to grow up and find out that his parents went back and forth bashing each other in the news.
Bridget discussed the subject in an interview: “There’s no reason why my son, years down the line, would need to read anything personal about his mother or his father.” Their smart choice to keep things on the down-low has led to a great and friendly relationship between them.
Cheering Papa On
Tom Brady is always at the forefront of his kids’ sports events, rooting them on and encouraging them to give it their all. And despite being a mega NFL star, he always makes sure to steer the focus away from him and onto his kids. He doesn’t want to steal their spotlight.
One parent was cheering her boy on at a hockey game when she noticed Tom Brady nearby rooting his kid on as well. The mom told interviewers that, “He wasn’t there as a celebrity or quarterback. He was there as a parent.”
Valuable Life Lessons
Tom Brady shared that losing a game used to crush his spirits for weeks. But today, now that he has his kids, he keeps it together for their sake, in order to teach them that it’s okay to lose. It’s human to fall sometimes, and the most important thing is working on how to get up again.
Brady said that this attitude has helped him deal with his Super Bowl losses. “We don’t always win. We try our best, and sometimes it doesn’t go the way we want,” he told interviewers. As disappointing as it is to lose, he brushes it aside and uses the loss as an opportunity to teach his children an important life lesson.
Parenting From Afar
While it can be difficult parenting a kid who lives with his mom over 200 miles away in New York, it’s obvious that Tom makes it his goal to always be there for him. Even if Jack is with his mom the majority of the time, it’s evident he has a strong connection with his dad.
We hope that their bond will get stronger and stronger as the years go by and that the distance between them won’t put a halt to their ever-growing relationship. They have such a great father-son dynamic that no number of miles can keep these two from being the best of friends.
Fantastic Parenting
All in all, Tom Brady has proven himself to be a wonderful father, not only to his boy Jack but also to his two other kids. He does everything in his power to spend enough time with them, support their passions, and be an important role model in their lives.
We’re eager to see where his kids will go in life with the guidance of their incredible parents. Growing up in such a loving environment is all they really need to develop well and fulfill their dreams. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for the Brady-Bundchen bunch!