FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 03: Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers waves to the crowd ... [+]
NFL legend Tom Brady, a seven-time Super Bowl champion, has become a minority owner of second-tier English soccer club Birmingham City after entering a partnership with Knighthead Capital Management LLC.
U.S.-based Shelby Companies Limited (SCL), a subsidiary of Knighthead Capital Management, completed its takeover of Birmingham in July.
Brady is the latest former NFL star to invest in English soccer after JJ Watt and his wife Kealia, an ex-US soccer international, in May announced their investment in Burnley ahead of the club’s return to the top-flight Premier
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 02: A man carries a Birmingham City bag before during the Sky Bet ... [+]
Birmingham City said that Brady would become Chairman of the new Advisory Board, working directly with the Club’s Board and members of Birmingham City Football Club’s leadership team.
“Birmingham City is an iconic club with so much history and passion and to be part of the Blues is a real honour for me,” Brady said in a club statement released on Thursday, which also marked his 46th birthday.
“BCFC is built on teamwork and determination and I’m excited to work alongside the board, management and players to make our Second City club second to none. I’ve been part of some amazing teams in my day, and I’m looking forward to applying my perspective to create that same success here in Birmingham.”
In his role, Brady will use his 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.
“In addition, Brady will work closely with the Board and the management team on global marketing efforts and the identification of new commercial partnership opportunities for the Club,” the club said in a statement.
TOPSHOT - Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy as Head coach ... [+]
Counted among the greatest players in NFL history, Brady ended his career this year after 23 illustrious seasons. The former quarterback holds the record for most Super Bowl victories with seven and most Super MVPs with five.
He spent most of his career with the New England Patriots but played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the last three seasons.
Last year, Brady joined Knighthead’s ownership group for a Major League Pickleball team and in March 2023, Brady’s lifestyle apparel clothing company, BRADY, was announced as the Official Apparel Partner of Knighthead’s World Endurance Championship racing team, Hertz Team JOTA, which competed at the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans this past June.
“Tom Brady joining the Birmingham City team is a statement of intent,” said Tom Wagner, Chairman of the Board.
“We are setting the bar at world-class. Tom is both investing and committing his time and extensive expertise. As Chair of the Advisory Board Tom will have a direct impact on the Club. The Men’s, Women’s, and Academy teams are going to benefit from the knowledge.
“The goal that Tom has committed to own is to make Birmingham City a respected leader in nutrition, health, wellness, and recovery across the world of football.”
Birmingham, who finished 17th in the Championship last season, begin their 2023-24 season on Saturday with an away trip to Swansea City.
Birmingham were relegated from the Premier League in 2011 and have played in the second tier since then, being the longest-serving club in that division.