02 February 2023 , 12:41
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Tom Brady's dramatic retirement U-turn sent shockwaves through NFL and delighted fans - but set off a chain of events which led to the end of his marriage.
The seven-time Super Bowl champion announced he was quitting the sport he loves, only to reverse his decision just 40 days later and re-sign for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
It quickly became clear that Gisele Bündchen was not too pleased, and eight months later it was announced the couple were divorcing after 13 years as husband and wife.
Now Brady has revealed he is retiring "for good" after 23 seasons - with Giselle sending a sweet message for her ex: "Wishing you only wonderful things in this new chapter of your life."
So what happened between the celebrity power couple between Brady's two retirements?
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Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen announced their divorce after 13 years of marriage (Getty Images)
The couple split up in the middle of his two retirements (Getty Images)The NFL legend and supermodel, who have two kids together, were set up on a blind date before tying the knot in February 2009.
Many years before his first retirement, it became apparent that Gisele was pushing for her husband to consider quitting.
Speaking about her concerns for his health back in May 2017, she said: "I just have to say, as a wife, I'm a little bit — as you know, it's not the most — let's say [it's] an aggressive sport.
"Football, like he had a concussion last year. I mean, he has concussions, pretty much, I mean, we don't talk about [it] but he does have concussions. I don't think it’s a healthy thing for your body to go through like — you know, to that kind of aggression all the time.
"That cannot be healthy for you, right? I mean I plan on having him be healthy and do a lot of fun things when we're like 100, I hope."
It wasn't until January last year when Brady decided to step away from the sport, revealing that he could no longer "make that competitive commitment anymore."
Brady and his wife Gisele celebrate after winning the Super Bowl in 2021 (Getty Images)In the part of his lengthy Instagram statement dedicated to his wife, he said: "I always came off the field and home to the most loving and supportive wife who has done EVERYTHING for our family to allow me to focus on my career.
"Her selflessness allowed me to reach new heights professionally, and I am beyond words what you mean to me and our family. Te amo amor da minha vida [I love you the love of my life]."
Gisele wrote her own message on social media, admitting she was proud of everything her husband had overcome "physically and emotionally".
She revealed her excitement for the next chapter in his life, adding: "There is nothing you can't achieve. I have always been here for you, you know that, and I'm as excited as you are for what the future holds."
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A month later they celebrated their 13th wedding anniversary, but everything changed when Brady announced he was returning to NFL as he had "unfinished business".
Bündchen did not publicly comment on the reversal, but it soon became clear it was causing issues in their relationship.
In August last year, Brady took an unprecedented 11-day 'leave of absence' in the middle of training camp with the Buccaneers to "deal with some personal things".
The NFL star and supermodel got together in 2006 (Instagram)"I'm 45-years-old, man. There's a lot of s*** going on, so you just have to try and figure out life the best you can. You know, it's a continuous process," he said in a preseason press conference.
It was then reported that the couple had an epic fight, leading to Gisele leaving their home in Florida for Costa Rica.
In September, sources told PEOPLE that Brady and Bündchen were "hitting a rough patch" in their marriage.
"There's a lot of tension," the insider said. "She was so happy when he announced his retirement."
While Gisele explained that rumours of marital strife were exaggerated, she did admit she hoped that her husband would give more time for her and their family.
"I have my concerns," Bündchen told Elle. "This is a very violent sport, and I have my children and I would like him to be more present."
Brady's performances on the field were a far cry from his 2021 for, with many claiming the turmoil in his personal life was a factor.
Tom and Gisele's marriage was 'on the rocks' for some time (WireImage)
The couple were married for 13 years (Getty Images)But Brady had claimed he was committed to the Buccaneers on his 'Let's Go' podcast, via Pro Football Talk, stating: "I said that there's no immediate retirement in my future. There was a retirement in the past, but I moved on from that.
"I made a commitment to this team and I love this team and I love this organisation."
Then reports emerged that Gisele had given her husband an ultimatum over his football career.
According to US Weekly, Bündchen informed him that he 'either leaves football to spend time with the family or she will be gone for good'.
She also gave a telling response to a quote posted on Instagram, which read: "You can't be in a committed relationship with someone who is inconsistent with you. Read that again."
Bündchen replied with a prayer hands emoji, seemingly agreeing with the words.
Sadly, their divorce was officially announced at the end of October, but the pair had reportedly been living apart for months.
Sadly, they announced they were getting a divorce (Instagram/gisele)In a statement, Brady wrote: "In recent days, my wife and I finalised our divorce from one another after 13 years of marriage. We arrived at this decision amicably and with gratitude for the time we spent together.
"We are blessed with beautiful and wonderful children who will continue to be the centre of our world in every way.
"We will continue to work together as parents to always ensure they receive the love and attention they deserve. We arrived at this decision to end our marriage after much consideration.
"Doing so is, of course, painful and difficult, like it is for many people who go through the same thing every day around the world.
"However we wish only the best for each other as we pursue whatever new chapters in our lives that are yet to be written. And we kindly ask for privacy and respect as we navigate what is to come in the days and weeks ahead. Thank you."
Bündchen also confirmed the news by releasing a statement of her own.
She said: "With much gratitude for our time together, Tom and I have amicably finalised our divorce. My priority has always been and will continue to be our children whom I love with all my heart. We will continue co-parenting to give them the love, care and attention they greatly deserve.
"The decision to end a marriage is never easy but we have grown apart and while it is, of course, difficult to go through something like this, I feel blessed for the time we had together and only wish the best for Tom always.
"I kindly ask that our privacy be respected during this sensitive time. Thank you. Gisele."
Brady announced his second retirement in a video (@TomBrady/Twitter)
Tom Brady also posted a picture of himself with his three children Jack, Benjamin and Vivian (@tombrady/Instagram)In November, Brady explained that the split was "amicable" and that his priorities were now his children and his NFL career.
But now that career in NFL is coming to and end, with the legendary quarter-back announcing he is definitely calling it quits after two decades with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In a surprise video on Wednesday, he said: "Good morning guys, I'll get to the point right away, I'm retiring, for good.
"I know the process was a pretty big deal last time so when I woke up this morning I figured that I'll just press record and let you guys know first. It won't be long winded. You only get one super-emotional retirement essay and I used mine up last year."
Brady then started to get emotional in the second half of his video as the NFL icon thanked those who had helped him during his incredible career.
He added: "I really thank you guys so much to every single one of you for supporting me, my family, my friends, my team-mates, my competitors, I could go on forever there are too many.
"Thank you guys for allowing me to live my absolute dream. I wouldn't change a thing."