NFL legend Tom Brady appeared on RTÉ’s Late Late Show on Friday, after a day in Dublin with Declan Kelly and the Conselo advisory team, of which he is an investor and an adviser.

Introduced by host Patrick Kielty as “County Cavan’s favourite GOAT,” Brady gave a polished performance, as you might expect.

When asked about his Irishness, he replied , “50%, but trending. The more visits I take here, the more Irish I’ll become.”

He spoke with pride of his family’s origins—his father’s side from Cavan and his mother’s from Cork—and shared memories of visiting Ireland over two decades ago on a father-son golf trip.

“My dad and I came here 22 years ago on a father-son golf trip… but I haven’t returned since.”
“We’re very proud of our Irish roots.”

He credited his parents and three older sisters with building the foundation for his career and expressed gratitude for their unwavering support.

“My dad always used to say, ‘Whenever you come off the field, I want either me or your mom there to greet you.’”

Brady shared that some of the most meaningful life lessons came not on the football field but on the golf course.

“One of the great highlights of my life is being on golf courses with my Dad… He taught me a lot about life and how to represent myself and my family.”

Reflecting on the challenges of his early career, Brady said his underdog journey taught him persistence and perspective.

“Before you get better, are you willing to dig deep and face the adversity head-on?”

“You think the worst things that happen in life end up being the best if you take the right attitude.”

He emphasised the importance of setting big goals and showing up every day with purpose:

“Set your goals big and dream big… Wake up every day with a purpose and go try to get it done.”

Brady also offered insight into his approach to leadership:

“Leadership comes down to two things: do you care about the people you work with? And do you care about what you’re trying to accomplish?”

He addressed his short-lived retirement in 2022 with humour and honesty.

“I wasn’t very good at retirement. So 40 days later, I unretired.”

“It’s really hard to leave something you’re good at. First of all, I loved it. Second of all, I was pretty good at it.”

He acknowledged the uncertainty of post-playing life but said he’s excited for what lies ahead.

“It’s a bit scary for all of us… but I think there are a lot of great years ahead.”

Brady paid tribute to Rory McIlroy, and his victory at The Masters.

“It was incredible to watch… I’ve actually been at that course with Rory a few times.”

“He kicks my butt all the time whenever we play, obviously.”

“I think he appreciated that win more than any other in his life—because of how hard it was, not how easy.”

Looking ahead, Brady expressed excitement about the NFL’s plans to bring a game to Croke Park and said he hoped to be in the commentary box when it happens.

“Hopefully that game will be on Fox and I can come over and broadcast it. That would be a dream come true.”

 

 

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SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE

To fans of the sport, Tom Brady is the greatest to have ever played it.  In a week when we will get to know the date and the opponents for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fist NFL regular season to be played here, this was a pretty good warm up.

WHAT’S UP NEXT?

The date and opponent details will be unveiled in Dublin tomorrow, May 13th.

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