A win for the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI on Sunday (February 5) would mark a record-breaking fifth championship victory for superstar quarterback Tom Brady.
The two-time NFL MVP generates headlines thanks to his spectacular play, occasional controversy (who can forget Deflategate?), and his celebrity marriage to supermodel Gisele Bündchen. Plus – we love that he also donates much of his time – and money – to charity.
Let’s take a look at the ways in which Brady has impacted the world off of the football field.
Tom Brady: Giving Back to Those with Developmental Disabilities
If there’s a flagship charity for Brady it’s Best Buddies International, a global nonprofit organization dedicated to friendships, employment and leadership training for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Year after year, the QB takes part in the Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port, an event that challenges participants to run, walk, or ride with all benefits going toward the charity.
“Best Buddies is a fantastic organization with a great message to spread, and I am so proud to support their work,” Brady said about the 2016 event.
“I hope my role as Honorary Co-Chair will continue to bring attention to the organization’s mission of friendship and inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the world.”
Through various membership levels, participants can donate money to be part of Team Tom Brady. The benefits include individual and team photos with the Michigan alum, a signed jersey, and football, and a chance to watch or even play in the Best Buddies Tom Brady Football Challenge – a gridiron battle featuring Brady, other celebs, and his Patriots teammates.
In 2015, Brady took flack for accepting a $170,000 speaking fee from the Salem State University Foundation. However, it was later revealed that Brady didn’t accept a dime. He instead donated $50,000 to Best Buddies and the other $120,000 to various charities.
TB12 Foundation
Injuries in sports, especially football, are a natural part of the game – and something of which Brady is well aware.
In the season opener of 2008, he suffered a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee forcing him to miss the remainder of the season. Thanks to successful surgery, he was able to return in the 2009 season good as new.
Hoping to help you athletes receive the best possible post-injury care, Brady teamed with Boston Private and Robert Paul Properties to launch the TB12 Foundation.
“Injuries among young athletes are happening at an alarming rate, and the current quick-fix system of treating symptoms instead of causes is not working,” Brady said in a press release announcing the formation of TB12.
“The TB12 method is designed to help sustain my peak performance and is a huge part of why I have played at a high level throughout my athletic career. With the foundation, we’re committing to extend access to the TB12 services and facilities to promising young athletes, especially those who would otherwise be unable to obtain access without outside assistance,” he adds.
To submit an application or support through donations and volunteering, visit the foundation’s website.
Giving Back through “Omazing” Experiences
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon are arguably the two of the biggest New England Patriots fans in Hollywood. So it came as no surprise that Brady teamed up with the two philanthropic actors for a charity hangout via Omaze.
In the fall of 2016, donors entered for a chance to share pizza and beer with Tom, Ben and Matt and talk sports. Donations benefited three charitable organizations of their choosing:
- Eastern Congo Initiative (Affleck)
- Water.org (Damon)
- TB12 Foundation (Brady)
This wasn’t the first time Brady teamed with Omaze.
In August 2016, he offered donors the chance to learn his football magic with the “Master Your Spiral” contest. Proceeds benefitted (RED), which works to fight AIDS worldwide.
Children’s Charities
Brady understands the importance of community in molding the lives of children and few charities are better in that field than the Boys & Girls Club of America.
“It’s pretty cool to see the excitement on the kid’s faces. And the Boys & Girls Club…it’s just awesome what they do for the community,” Brady said at the opening of a playground in Waltham, Massachusetts in 2010.
The three-time Super Bowl MVP is no stranger to attending events sponsored by the organization and was even named Honorary Chair of the 2012 Rodman Ride for Kids – a bicycle ride through towns in Southeastern, Massachusetts, which raises money for kids in need.
“‘The Ride for Kids’ unique collaborative fundraising model is unprecedented, and as a parent I immediately connected with a cause that supports so many children in our community,” Brady said in 2012.
“We are honored to have Tom Brady representing the Ride for Kids,” said Don Rodman, President and Founder of the Ride for Kids. “His reputation in our community is stellar, and his support will increase awareness as we work to raise even more funds for kids who need help and deserve opportunities for success.”
According to a press release from the organization, “The Ride for Kids is the #1 single-day athletic fundraiser in the United States that solely supports at-risk kids.”
Tom Brady exemplifies the ultimate in excellence on the football field but it’s his charitable actions in day-to-day life that make truly make him a superstar.
We have more Super Bowl celebrity news profiles in the works so make sure to stay linked to Good Celebrity for all the latest stories about People Doing Good!