Tom Brady Lost Nearly 20 Lbs. as Gisele Bündchen Marriage Unraveled, New Book Claims: ‘Looked Like a Cancer Patient’

Tom Brady, the renowned former NFL quarterback, witnessed a significant change in his physical appearance during the lead-up to his final season in 2022, sparking concern among his teammates and coaches. According to a new book, Brady, who is widely celebrated for his athleticism, lost nearly 20 pounds during a tumultuous period in his personal life, marked by his impending separation from supermodel Gisele Bündchen.

In Lars Anderson’s book, *Brady: An American Story and the Price of Greatness*, excerpts obtained by PEOPLE reveal that many of Brady’s former colleagues were alarmed by his drastic weight loss when he reported to training camp. Bruce Arians, the former head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, commented on Brady’s appearance, suggesting that he looked “like a cancer patient with really good hair.” Arians was candid about how Brady’s personal challenges affected him professionally, highlighting the intense stress he was under.

Former teammates noticed the changes as well, with one coach reflecting on how Brady’s once prominent cheekbones became starkly evident amid his weight loss. Another team member described the veteran quarterback as someone who “never smiled” and noted a palpable shift in his demeanor from the outset of training camp. These observations point towards a player under immense personal strain, which appeared to be at odds with the typically focused and charismatic nature that fans had come to cherish.

According to Arians, Brady’s struggles stemmed from his marital issues, which were not a secret within the locker room. The head coach stated, “It was very clear that the reason for the weight loss was the stress from the personal issues he was dealing with.” The atmosphere in the Buccaneers’ locker room reflected an awareness of Brady’s personal turmoil, with colleagues drawing correlations between his weight loss and his ongoing marital distress.

Anderson’s book goes on to describe Brady’s attempts to salvage his marriage to Bündchen, with whom he shares two children—Benjamin Rein and Vivian Lake. The two announced their separation just before finalising their divorce in October 2022. Following the split, Bündchen welcomed a son with her new partner, Joaquim Valente, highlighting the significant changes both parties have undergone since their separation.

The emotional toll of his personal life did not escape Brady, who later acknowledged the impact of his divorce on his performance during his farewell season in the NFL. Speaking on *The Herd with Colin Cowherd*, he shared, “My last season was tough… I was going through, I had a lot of, you know, a personal family issue,” referring to the upheaval in his marriage. Clearly, the weight of these circumstances extended beyond his personal life and into his professional responsibilities.

Retiring from the NFL in early 2023, Brady has since embarked on a new chapter as a broadcaster, now in his third season as a lead analyst for Fox Sports. While he has transitioned to this new role, the pressures of his final playing days have continued to resonate, prompting reflection on the balance between professional excellence and personal well-being.

As Brady navigates life beyond football, the insights provided by Anderson’s book offer a compelling look at the intersection of personal challenges and athletic performance. It serves as a reminder of the pressures faced by elite athletes, particularly when their private struggles become intertwined with their public personas. The legacy he leaves behind is not solely defined by his myriad accolades but also by the resilience he has shown in facing personal adversities.

In this new phase, fans and followers are eager to witness how Brady evolves, both as a commentator and as an individual navigating the complexities of life after sport. His journey continues to unfold, with lessons learned along the way that resonate beyond the football field.