Tom Brady‘s partnership with an English soccer club has come to an end, but the split may not have been as friendly as it first appeared.
The former NFL quarterback‘s parted ways with the Birmingham City Football Club, according to a report Page Six published on Wednesday, November 11. A source familiar with the situation told the outlet that tensions had been building behind the scenes.
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Brady, 49, became a minority investor and chairman of the club’s advisory board in 2023, shortly after retiring from the NFL.
According to the report, the source explained that problems emerged after the club hired former soccer star Wayne Rooney as head coach.
“Rooney lasted 83 days and [Tom] questioned his work ethic,” the source said, per the outlet.
Page Six reported that Brady had previously criticized 41-year-old Rooney’s work ethic in the 2025 documentary Built in Birmingham: Brady & the Blues, while describing the team’s players as “lazy and entitled.”
The source claimed Brady initially attended games, promoted the team on social media and participated in publicity events before becoming less involved.
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“He completely checked out,” the source said, per the report.
The source also accused Brady of prioritizing other business opportunities over the club, claiming he would travel to New York City for a $180,000 Gucci runway appearance but would not attend Birmingham City matches, according to Page Six.
“They gave him equity and expected support,” the insider said, per the report.
Despite those claims, Birmingham City praised Brady in its November 9 departure announcement, expressing “sincere gratitude” for his involvement and support.
The Fox Sports broadcaster shared a farewell message in an Instagram Story, which has since expired, thanking the team’s players, coach Chris Davies and supporters.
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“Being part of Birmingham City Football Club the last three years has been one of the most rewarding journeys of my life,” he wrote, according to Page Six. Brady added, “I’ll always be rooting for your success.”
This story Tom Brady’s Birmingham City Football Club Exit Wasn’t as Friendly as It Seemed After He ‘Checked Out’ first appeared on First for Sports. Follow First for Sports on Yahoo so you don’t miss what’s coming next.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
