19 years on: Tom Brady breaks down in tears as he recalls the day that changed everything with his ex

T om Brady has never been short of defining moments. Seven Super Bowl victories, countless records and a career that established him as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history have given Brady a résumé that few athletes can approach.

But for the former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers star, one particular date carries a meaning that has nothing to do with football. August 22, 2007, was the day his eldest son, Jack, was born.

Nineteen years later, Brady used the occasion to look back at the moment that changed his life, sharing an emotional birthday tribute to Jack on social media. The post reflected not only on his son's growth but also on how much fatherhood has meant to him since becoming a parent.

"Happy 19th birthday, Jack!" Brady wrote in the caption. "Aug 22, 2007 is a day I’ll never forget, because that’s when you showed up and stole my heart (and my sleep … and my patience … hahahaha). You’re kind, thoughtful, empathetic, and full of love! And I’m so proud of who you have become. You fill my heart with so much joy and I’m blessed to be your dad. I can't wait to see what’s next."

The significance of the date goes beyond Jack's birth. Brady and actress Bridget Moynahan had ended their relationship in late 2006 after roughly three years together. Their split was followed by news in February 2007 that Moynahan was pregnant with Brady's child.

At the time, Brady was also beginning a relationship with Gisele Bundchen , making an already complicated personal situation the subject of enormous public attention.

Brady was reluctant to discuss the circumstances publicly. During a 2007 Patriots media session, he acknowledged that his personal life had presented new challenges while making clear that he wanted to focus on football.

What followed, however, was the beginning of a long-term co-parenting relationship involving Brady and Moynahan .

Moynahan has previously spoken about how the pair ultimately created a supportive environment around Jack, with both of their subsequent partners playing roles in his upbringing.

Jack has developed his own sporting identity

While Jack has grown up surrounded by elite athletes, he has not simply attempted to copy his father's career.

The 19-year-old has developed a particular interest in basketball, and Brady has frequently shared glimpses of his son's ability on the court.

His latest birthday tribute included photographs of Jack playing basketball, while Brady also joked about his son's athletic advantages over his father.

The difference in physical profiles is certainly noticeable. Brady built his career around anticipation, accuracy and decision-making rather than explosive athleticism, while Jack has developed into a considerably taller athlete.

Brady previously joked about his son's jumping ability, telling the Fortune Global Forum in 2024: "Unfortunately he jumps as high as I do," before adding that he expected Jack to become a strong player as he grew.

The teenager also recently reached another major milestone when he graduated from high school in June. Brady and Moynahan were both present for the occasion, providing another example of the family coming together to celebrate Jack.

Brady's pride in his eldest son has become increasingly visible as Jack has moved toward adulthood.

Rather than insisting that he follow in his father's footsteps, Brady has repeatedly emphasised that his role is to support whatever direction his children choose.

That philosophy extends to his other two children, Benjamin and Vivian , whom he shares with former wife Bündchen. Brady has spoken about wanting his children to find purpose and happiness rather than simply reproducing his own extraordinary sporting career.

For Jack, that future could potentially involve basketball, although his plans remain his own.

For Brady , meanwhile, August 22 is likely to remain one of the most important dates of his life. Nearly two decades after the circumstances surrounding Jack's arrival changed his world, the former quarterback is now watching his son enter adulthood.

And if Brady's latest tribute is any indication, the memories of that life-changing day remain just as powerful as ever.