Tom Brady is getting a very different kind of attention these days. The retired NFL legend has turned his attention from football to fashion, recently fronting his first Gucci campaign under creative director Demna after making his runway debut in New York earlier this year. But while Brady seems to be enjoying the change of pace, some fans are far less impressed by his new look.
The 49-year-old former quarterback has already built an extraordinary post-NFL career, including his role as a Fox Sports commentator. Now, modelling has joined the list. His Gucci appearance has divided social media, with some fans calling the shoot 'cringey' and accusing Brady of being 'vain', while others have defended him for simply having fun with fashion.
EXCLUSIVE: Tom Brady on his new Gucci campaign—and becoming a leather pants guy at 49 https://t.co/uvDl318agg pic.twitter.com/4Zsx8tasuv
— GQ Magazine (@GQMagazine) August 25, 2026
Tom Brady Steps Into Fashion Spotlight
Brady stepped onto the runway on 16 May for Gucci's 2027 Cruise show, staged in the middle of Times Square. It was a major change from his usual setting, but the former athlete clearly embraced the challenge.
In a recent interview with GQ, Brady said he would 'never say never' to taking on more modelling work, including future fashion campaigns. He explained that he is open to opportunities that feel exciting and push him beyond what he already knows.
'If there was an opportunity that presented itself that I thought was really fun and new, I would definitely be open to it. I always say the only place for growth is outside your comfort zone,' Brady told the magazine.
Interestingly, Brady admitted he did not have much of a relationship with Gucci before the brand approached him. The initial phone call therefore came as a surprise, but his curiosity quickly took over. He said the chance to try something completely different made the opportunity feel like a 'once-in-a-lifetime' experience.
Tom Brady walking for Gucci. pic.twitter.com/YsVKa0M9jY
— 21 (@21metgala) May 17, 2026
Gucci Photos Spark Fierce Online Reactions
Not everyone watching from the sidelines was ready to welcome Brady into fashion.
Some social media users appeared to struggle with seeing one of the NFL's biggest stars posing for a luxury fashion campaign. One critic mocked the transformation by asking, 'What the f*** happened to Tommy,' while another called Brady a 'weird p***k' and suggested he should simply retire quietly and enjoy his money.
Another fan described themselves as a die-hard Brady supporter but admitted they found his post-retirement image 'cringey'. Someone else summed up the reaction more bluntly, writing that Brady is 'the greatest quarterback ever' but is also 'vain'.
But the reaction was not entirely negative. One supporter pushed back against the criticism, writing: 'This photo shoot is supposed to be stylized. What were you expecting? One of those photos where people are strapped to a board to keep still and gunpowder for a flash?'
Tom, I’m praying for you.. I’m not sure what exactly happened to you but if I had to take a guess you sold your soul... The illuminati got another one.
— Brian Roseberry (@BrianRoseberry8) August 25, 2026
Seriously, nobody around him had the balls just to tell him no? Are we sure he got divorced over football or is it, just maybe, something else…
— Woffy (@WoffyOnTheRocks) August 26, 2026
Tom Brady's Career and Family Life
Long before the Gucci campaign, Brady was already one of the biggest names in American sport.
Drafted by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft, he went on to win six Super Bowls with the team before joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020. He won a seventh Super Bowl with Tampa Bay during his first season with the team.
Brady retired from the NFL in 2023 after 23 seasons and later moved into broadcasting as FOX Sports' lead NFL analyst. His career included seven Super Bowl victories, three NFL MVP awards and five Super Bowl MVP awards.
Away from sport, Brady is a father of three. He shares his eldest son, Jack, with actress Bridget Moynahan, while his younger children, Benjamin and Vivian, are from his former marriage to model Gisele Bündchen.
His career has since expanded beyond playing football, with Brady taking on broadcasting and fashion projects alongside his other business ventures.
