**Tom Brady Reflects on Personal Struggles During Final NFL Season**
**Meta Description:** Tom Brady reveals how personal issues impacted his performance during his last NFL season, highlighting the challenges he faced amid his divorce.
**URL Slug:** tom-brady-final-nfl-season-struggles
**Tom Brady Reflects on Personal Struggles During Final NFL Season**
NFL icon Tom Brady recently opened up about the off-field challenges that affected his performance during his final season in the league. The seven-time Super Bowl champion faced significant personal turmoil, including a divorce from Gisele Bündchen, which he acknowledged contributed to his struggles on the field.
In a candid discussion on FOX Sports’ “The Herd,” Brady described his last season as particularly difficult. “I was going through a lot of personal and family issues, and it was a challenge. It just took a lot out of me in terms of my ability to continue to play,” he shared.
Brady’s final season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers marked a notable departure from his illustrious career, as it was the only season he finished with a record below .500, ending with an 8-9 record while still clinching the NFC South title. Despite the challenges, he completed 66.8% of his passes for an impressive 4,694 yards, throwing 25 touchdowns against nine interceptions. For perspective, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford led the league that season with just 13 more yards.
Reflecting on his priorities, Brady emphasized the importance of being present for his children. “I had 23 years of playing in the NFL, so I didn’t feel like I was missing anything by retiring. I wanted to be at all my kids’ games; they’ve been to enough of their dad’s games,” he noted.
Brady and Bündchen were married for 13 years and share two children before their divorce in 2022. Since then, Bündchen has moved on, marrying her jiujitsu instructor Joaquim Valente in 2025, while Brady has yet to publicly announce a new relationship.
As Brady transitions into this new chapter of his life, he remains focused on family and the future, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered in the annals of NFL history.
**FAQ**
**What challenges did Tom Brady face during his final NFL season?**
Tom Brady faced significant personal challenges, including a divorce from Gisele Bündchen, which impacted his performance on the field during his last season in the NFL.