Tom Brady Bets on the Underdog: Why He’s All-In on Birmingham City

Tom Brady, renowned for his seven Super Bowl victories as an NFL quarterback, has taken on a new role as a minority owner of Birmingham City Football Club, an English soccer team competing in the EFL Championship. His involvement, announced in August 2023, has sparked interest in what he values most about the club, particularly given its underdog status and rich history. This note provides a comprehensive overview of Brady’s expressed views, drawing from various sources to ensure a thorough understanding.

Context of Brady’s Involvement
Birmingham City, based in England’s second-largest city, has struggled to maintain a presence in the Premier League, with its last top-flight season in 2011. The club, known as the Blues, has a storied history dating back to its founding as Small Heath Alliance in 1875 and plays at St. Andrew’s Stadium, a venue with over a century of tradition. Brady’s investment, alongside Knighthead Capital Management, includes a minority stake and a role on the club’s advisory board, focusing on areas like health, nutrition, and recovery. This move aligns with a trend of American investments in English football, such as those in Wrexham A.F.C. by Hollywood figures.

Brady’s Statements on What He Likes Best
Brady has made several statements that illuminate what he appreciates most about Birmingham City. In a video shared by The Independent, he expressed, “I know I like being the underdog,” referencing the team’s anthem and noting, “The road’s been long for Birmingham, but these fans have never stopped believing.” This highlights his admiration for the club’s underdog narrative and the resilience of its fanbase, which has remained loyal despite relegations, including to League One in recent years.

Additionally, in a statement covered by AS.com, Brady described Birmingham City as “an iconic club with so much history and passion,” emphasizing that “to be part of the Blues is a real honour for me.” This underscores his appreciation for the club’s historical significance and the passionate support it receives, particularly in a city with strong footballing rivalries, such as with Aston Villa.

Further insights come from The Guardian, where Brady’s role was framed as part of a “statement of intent” to elevate the club globally, suggesting he sees potential in its legacy and fanbase to achieve success, mirroring his own career achievements.

Fan and Media Reactions
Birmingham City fans, as noted in an ESPN article from February 2025 (ESPN), have largely welcomed Brady’s involvement, with one fan stating, “Brady is a proven winner and he’s hopefully instilling that here at Birmingham City.” This reflects the perception that Brady’s competitive spirit and success in the NFL could translate to the soccer pitch, aligning with his expressed liking for the underdog challenge.

Media coverage, such as a CNN piece from January 2025 (CNN), has compared Birmingham City’s potential trajectory to that of Wrexham, suggesting Brady’s involvement could elevate the club’s profile, further supported by claims of over 17 billion “positive media impressions” as reported by The Athletic.