Tom Brady, the former NFL star, recently spoke about the unexpected fallout from his feature on Netflix’s “The Greatest Roast of All Time: Tom Brady.”

The roast, hosted by comedian Kevin Hart, aired on May 5, 2024, and took aim at various aspects of Brady’s life, including his highly publicized divorce from Brazilian model Gisele Bündchen.

In a recent podcast appearance, Brady voiced his regret about how the show affected his children. “I loved it when the jokes were about me. I enjoyed the jokes about me; they were quite entertaining,” said Brady. “However, I was displeased with how they impacted my children​.”

Comedians on the roast didn’t hold back, targeting Brady’s divorce, his two retirements, and even the “Deflategate” scandal.

The Deflategate controversy rocked the National Football League (NFL) in the U.S., centered around accusations that Brady, then a quarterback for the New England Patriots, had intentionally ordered the deflation of footballs during their win over the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship Game on January 18, 2015. This incident led to Brady receiving a suspension for four games. Additionally, the Patriots faced a penalty of a $1 million fine and lost two draft picks in the year 2016.

The roast’s continuous jabs about his split from Bündchen were particularly distressing for his family. Brady confessed that he experienced a moment of realization during the roast, understanding that it wasn’t only about him. “It was the bittersweet aspect of when you’re doing something you think is one way, and then suddenly you realize I wouldn’t do that again because of how it affected the people I care about the most in the world,” he said​​.

Brady and Bündchen, who announced their separation in October 2022, have two children together, Benjamin, 14, and Vivian, 11. Brady also has a son, Jack, 16, from an earlier relationship with actress Bridget Moynahan. The personal nature of the jokes reportedly left Bündchen “deeply disappointed,” according to sources close to her​​.

Brady reflected on the experience, noting that it has taught him to be a more considerate parent. “It’s been a valuable lesson for me as a parent, and I aim to improve because of it,” Brady said. Despite the backlash, he emphasized that the roast was intended to be entertaining. “If we aren’t laughing about things, we’re crying,” he added, underlining his belief in finding humor even in challenging times.

Brady’s remarkable 23-year career in the NFL, marked by seven Super Bowl wins and numerous MVP awards, has always been subject to public scrutiny. His recent reflections highlight the delicate equilibrium that public figures need to strike between their professional and personal lives, particularly when their families are involved.

The roast, which was streamed live on Netflix, attracted millions of viewers, demonstrating the public’s interest in Brady’s life off the football field. However, it has also ignited a discussion about the potential impact of such public events on the families of those in the spotlight.