NFL Legend Tom Brady "Officially Coming On Board At Birmingham City"
NFL legend Tom Brady has become a minority owner of English soccer club Birmingham City.
The seven-time Super Bowl champion - who retired from his record-breaking American football playing career in February - has "entered a partnership" with Birmingham's new owners, Knighthead Capital Management LLC.
Brady, 46, will become chairman of a new advisory board at the EFL Championship club.
Speaking in a video posted on his social media channels, Brady told fans: "So here's the deal... I'm officially coming on board at Birmingham City Football Club.
"And maybe you're asking: 'What do you know about English football, Tom?' Well let's just say I've got a lot to learn.
"But I do know a few things about winning and I think they might translate pretty well.
"I know that success starts with the work put in when the world isn't watching. I know that a team is nothing without the city that shows up and stands behind it.
"Most importantly, I know I like being the underdog.
"The road has been long for Birmingham. But these fans have never stopped believing.
"We have got a song that says, no matter what, you keep right on to the end of the road. I'll be on that road with you.
"I'll see you at St Andrew's soon. It's time to get to work. Let's go."
Tom Brady pictured wearing a Birmingham City jersey after joining the club's ownership team
Twitter/@TomBrady
Brady added in an official club statement: "Birmingham City is an iconic club with so much history and passion and to be part of the Blues is a real honour for me.
"BCFC is built on teamwork and determination and I'm excited to work alongside the board, management and players to make our Second City club second to none.
"I've been part of some amazing teams in my day, and I'm looking forward to applying my perspective to create that same success here in Birmingham."
Co-owner and chairman Tom Wagner said: "Tom Brady joining the Birmingham City team is a statement of intent. We are setting the bar at world class.
"Tom is both investing and committing his time and extensive expertise. As Chair of the Advisory Board Tom will have a direct impact on the Club. The Men's, Women's, and Academy teams are going to benefit from the knowledge.
"The goal that Tom has committed to own is to make Birmingham City a respected leader in nutrition, health, wellness, and recovery across the world of football.
"A commitment to Blues fans was made on Monday 8 May 2023, to add experts from the world of sport and football to the team, putting in place the building blocks for future success.
"With Garry Cook as CEO, Hope Powell as Women's Technical Director and now Tom Brady we are off to a fast start. Success does not come overnight. It takes time. But when you have great leaders in place everything becomes possible."
Birmingham finished 17th in the EFL Championship last season.
The club's most recent stay in the Premier League ended in 2011 - the same year they won the EFL Cup.
Brady is the latest high-profile American to make a minority investment in an English soccer club.
Former NFL defensive end JJ Watt joined the ownership team at Burnley in May, after actor Michael B Jordan invested in Bournemouth late last year.
Meanwhile, golfers Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas are minority stakeholders in Leeds United, along with NBA All-Star Russell Westbrook.
