Seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady announced he's purchased an ownership stake in Birmingham City F.C., a professional football (soccer) club in the EFL Championship, the second tier of English football, in a video shared on his 46th birthday Thursday (August 3).
Brady will become chairman of the club's new advisory board and "apply his extensive leadership experience and expertise across several components of the Club," as well as "work closely with the Board and the management team on global marketing efforts and the identification of new commercial partnership opportunities for the Club," according to a news release shared on Birmingham City's official website.
"So here's the deal, I'm officially coming on board at Birmingham City Football Club," Brady said in the video shared on his social media accounts. "And maybe you're asking what do you know about English football, Tom? Well let's just say I've got a lot to learn. But I do know a few things about winning, and I think they may translate pretty well.
"I know success starts with the work put in when the world isn't watching. I know a team is nothing without the city that shows up and stands behind it.
"Most importantly, I know I like being the underdog. The road's been long for Birmingham, but these fans have never stopped believing.
Birmingham City F.C. is owned by Knighthead Capital Management LLC, a New York-based investment adviser.
"Tom Brady joining the Birmingham City team is a statement of intent. We are setting the bar at world class. Tom is both investing and committing his time and extensive expertise," said Tom Wagner, chairman of Birmingham City's board, via the team's official website. "As Chair of the Advisory Board Tom will have a direct impact on the Club.
"The Men's, Women's, and Academy teams are going to benefit from the knowledge. The goal that Tom has committed to own is to make Birmingham City a respected leader in nutrition, health, wellness, and recovery across the world of football."
Brady is the second American football player to purchase an ownership stake in an English football club, with J.J. Watt and his wife, professional soccer player Kealia Watt, announcing their investment in Burnley Football Club in May.
"Well well well, what do we have here… Happy for you, wishing Birmingham all the best and hope to see you in the PL real soon! Up The Clarets! @BurnleyOfficial," Watt tweeted in response to Brady's announcement.
Brady has put together an impressive portfolio since retiring from his playing career. The seven-time Super Bowl champion announced his acquisition of an ownership stake in the WNBA's Las Vegas Aces on March 23 and has a deal in place to become a part-owner of the NFL's Las Vegas Raiders, although a newly implemented NFL no-equity rule blocks the distribution to equity to players and other employees who aren't related to the majority owner and, therefore, has delayed approval from the league.
Brady announced he's "retiring for good" after 23 NFL seasons in a video shared on his official social media accounts on February 1. The 45-year-old had previously announced his retirement last offseason before announcing his decision to return several weeks later.
Brady is set to become FOX Sports' lead NFL analyst as part of a deal that was agreed to take place following the conclusion of his playing career, but has publicly stated that he won't start until 2024, taking the next year to spend time with his family and prepare for the job. The San Mateo native is the NFL's all-time passing leader for yards and touchdowns, as well as quarterback wins, among numerous other records.
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