"He was the absent father": Tom Brady's biographer reveals why Gisele Bündchen may have felt sacrificed

Tom Brady built a legendary NFL career through discipline, sacrifice and an unmatched drive to win. But according to his new biographer, those same qualities may have come at a personal cost. Lars Anderson believes Brady's dedication to football played a major role in the breakdown of his 13-year marriage to Gisele Bündchen. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Anderson questioned whether the former couple shared an equal partnership, suggesting that Brady's demanding career and time away from home placed pressure on their family life.Tom Brady's football career reportedly strained his marriage to Gisele BündchenAnderson, author of Brady: An American Story and the Price of Greatness, believes the balance between Brady's professional ambitions and family responsibilities was a key issue in the couple's relationship.“She sacrificed a lot for him and there was never an equal balance,” Anderson speculates.He added, “It was the fact that he was gone, that he was the absent father,” before making his view clear: “And it was football that caused that.”Brady and Bündchen confirmed their divorce in October 2022 after 13 years of marriage. They share two children, Benjamin, 16, and Vivian, 13, and continue to co-parent them.However, Bündchen previously pushed back against claims that she forced Brady to choose between his family and football. In a 2023 Vanity Fair interview, she described those reports as “very hurtful” and “the craziest thing I’ve ever heard.”Her comments suggested that the split was more complicated than a single disagreement over his NFL career.Anderson also pointed to Brady's absence from the 2016 Rio Olympics, where Bündchen walked the runway during the opening ceremony. He questioned why the quarterback did not travel to support her, despite acknowledging the demands of his football schedule.The author also revealed that Brady missed 11 days of training camp in 2022 in what he described as a last-ditch effort to save the marriage. Even that break, however, could not prevent their eventual separation.Gisele Bündchen reflects on divorce as Tom Brady moves forwardAnderson also questioned the couple's compatibility beyond their shared fame. “If you drill down a little deeper...other than being famous, what did they really have in common?” he asks.He praised Bündchen's interests and influence on Brady, noting her knowledge of fashion, travel and nutrition. His comments suggest that their differences may have extended beyond the time Brady spent on the football field.Despite the painful separation, Bündchen has expressed goodwill towards her former husband. “Listen, I have always cheered for [Tom], and I would continue forever… If there’s one person I want to be the happiest in the world, it’s him, believe me. I want him to achieve and to conquer. I want all his dreams to come true. That’s what I want, really, from the bottom of my heart.”A source also told PEOPLE that Bündchen feels grateful for their years together and is no longer bitter about the divorce.Brady retired from the NFL in February 2023 after 23 seasons and seven Super Bowl victories. He has since moved into broadcasting, joining Fox's lead NFL commentary team.While Anderson offers his interpretation of the marriage's breakdown, his claims remain the biographer's perspective rather than a definitive explanation from either former partner.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.