'What Do I Know About Soccer?' Tom Brady As Real-Life 'Ted Lasso'?

"I'm officially coming on board at Birmingham City Football Club," Tom Brady says of his involvement in ownership of a club in English soccer. "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.''

Tom Brady, after all these years, pretty much knows everything there is to know about success in what we know as "football.'' But the New England Patriots and NFL legend is the first to concede that he comes up a little short when it comes to insight in what the rest of the world knows as "football.''

"So here's the deal, I'm officially coming on board at Birmingham City Football Club," Brady said in an announcement this week revealing his involvement as a minority owner of the club in English soccer's second-tier Championship. "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, for the seven-time Super Bowl champion quarterback, there is a "but.'' ...

"But,'' the 46-year-old (celebrating his birthday today) just-retired NFL star added, "I do know a few things about winning, and I think they may translate pretty well. ... I know success starts with the work put in when the world isn't watching. I know a team is nothing without the city that shows up and stands behind it.''

Call it Tom Brady's "Ted Lasso'' moment ... as Brady - who has his delved into a variety of business interests, including Hollywood film production (and maybe involvement with the management of the Las Vegas Raiders) - is here involved in a partnership with Birmingham's owners, Knighthead Capital Management LLC. And yes, he will "be in charge'' in a sense.

Brady, who will become chairman of the advisory board at the club, will, according to a statement from Birmingham, "Apply his extensive leadership experience and expertise across several components of the club, including working alongside the sports science department to advise on health, nutrition, wellness, and recovery systems and programs."

Brady retired from the NFL in February 2023, after 23 seasons in the sport. In addition to him winning the Super Bowl seven times, he was named MVP five times and is considered arguably the greatest "winner'' - the GOAT - in league history. 

What else can Brady bring to English football in Birmingham? "I know I like being the underdog,'' he said. "The road's been long for Birmingham, but these fans have never stopped believing. ... It's time to get to work."

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