Tom Brady opens up on his emotional strength following divorce from ex-wife Gisele Bündchen

Tom Brady has opened up on some emotional struggles that he’s going through this year following a rocky start to the NFL season and his divorce from his ex-wife of 13 years, Gisele Bundchen.

It has been a topsy-turvy year for the superstar quarterback, whose return to the NFL has coincided with divorce after his marriage to Bundchen fell apart. 

The 45-year-old quarterback, who’s marriage ended in October, unraveled his thoughts on the latest episode of his ‘Let’s Go!’ podcast on SiriusXM prior to Monday’s stunning fourth quarter comeback against the New Orleans Saints (16-17). 

‘I think there’s so many ways for me that it just keeps great perspective for me in my life,’ Brady said. ‘Why have I done it as long as I have? You know, physically, I’ve explained that and I’ve tried to take care of myself.

‘You know, mentally, and as we talked about with Coach [Sean] Payton, there’s such a drive mentally to always come up with the next great play, or the next great concept, or the next great scream. 

‘And then emotionally, that’s where I think as you get older the challenges really come in, you know, because we can get distracted by other parts of life and not distracted in a bad way but there’s priorities that take over.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady reacts to the fans as he runs off the field after an epic 16-17 comeback against the New Orleans Saints on Monday night. At the start of the fourth quarter, the Bucs were trailing 16-3

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady reacts to the fans as he runs off the field after an epic 16-17 comeback against the New Orleans Saints on Monday night. At the start of the fourth quarter, the Bucs were trailing 16-3

Brady Gisele Bundchen confirmed that their 13-year marriage had ended in October

Brady Gisele Bundchen confirmed that their 13-year marriage had ended in October

‘So I’ve tried my best over the years to maintain what’s important to me. And been very fortunate to play a sport that I love. And, as I said, why do I play? Because the competition is great. 

‘Obviously, it’s a great thrill and joy to go out there and play, but you’re just, you’re a part of something that’s way bigger than yourself and there’s something to be said about that.’ 

The seven-time Super Bowl champion’s NFL-record comments came after his 44th fourth-quarter comeback enabled the Bucs to avoid falling two games under .500 and create a little breathing room for themselves atop the NFC South.

Brady, 45, talks with teammates in a huddle before throwing the decisive touchdown pass

Brady, 45, talks with teammates in a huddle before throwing the decisive touchdown pass

That could wind up being crucial with the Bucs (6-6) heading into a tough two-game stretch that has them traveling to NFC West-leading San Francisco this weekend before hosting defending AFC campion Cincinnati the following Sunday.

Brady was on the verge of being held without a touchdown pass at home by the Saints for the third straight year when he threw for a pair of touchdowns in the final three minutes to beat New Orleans 17-16 on Monday night.

It was the second time in a month the 45-year-old quarterback shrugged off an ugly three-and-a-half quarters to leading a game-winning drive with three second left on the clock. The Bucs beat the Los Angeles Rams 16-13 on November 6. 

Brady greets Saints linebacker Demario Davis after his 44th fourth-quarter comeback Monday

Brady greets Saints linebacker Demario Davis after his 44th fourth-quarter comeback Monday

Brady broke a tie with Peyton Manning for the most fourth-quarter comebacks in NFL history. It was the 56th time he’s led a winning drive in the fourth quarter or overtime — another league record — as well as the 40th time he’s overcome a deficit of 10 or more points to win. 

The 2007, 2010, 2017 MVP dedicated the comeback win to his 10-year-old daughter Vivian, who had told her father that the Saints aren’t good matchup for his Bucs. 

Brady’s now 3-1 since divorcing from Bundchen two months ago. The superstar couple recently announced their breakup after being married for nearly 13 years. 

It’s speculated that the pair separated due to disagreements over his career and retirement. However, a source confirmed to DailyMail.com in late-September that their separation was not impacted by Brady’s move to rejoin the Buccaneers. 

The star player has announced his retirement from football on multiple occasions, before ultimately changing his mind each time and continuing to play. 

Brady shares Vivian (right) and Benjamin (bottom left) with Bundchen and has a 15-year-old son, Jack (bottom center), with ex-girlfriend and actress Bridget Moynahan

Brady shares Vivian (right) and Benjamin (bottom left) with Bundchen and has a 15-year-old son, Jack (bottom center), with ex-girlfriend and actress Bridget Moynahan

It was then reported that Bundchen felt as if she was putting her modeling career on the back-burner due to her ex-husband’s decision, as she dedicated her past years to raising and taking care of their kids. 

The Bucs star said the divorce had been a ‘difficult’ and ‘painful’ decision that the pair reached after ‘much consideration’. 

Brady is currently in the middle of his 23rd season and shares Vivian, as well as Benjamin, 12, with Bundchen. He also has a 15-year-old son, Jack, with ex-girlfriend and actress Bridget Moynahan. 

Both said they would continue to co-parent their two children together. The couple are expected to share custody of their two children.

source: dailymail.co.uk