Three years after his retirement, Tom Brady is still as loved as ever.
The legendary quarterback celebrated his 49th birthday on Aug. 3, and the day reminded every fan to celebrate a player whose career is still viewed as the gold standard in the sport.
NFL Community Honors Tom Brady on His 49th Birthday
Brady spent his birthday with his three children on a family yacht. On Instagram, sharing photos from the trip, he joked that he had officially started his “40s farewell tour.” Most importantly, he reflected on how thankful he was to be spending the day with the people closest to him.
As birthday messages poured in, many focused on everything Brady accomplished during his career, while others joked that he could probably still help an NFL team today.
FOX Sports, where Brady now works as the network’s lead NFL analyst, was among the first to celebrate him: “Happy birthday to the GOAT, @TomBrady 🎂”
Happy birthday to the GOAT, @TomBrady 🎂 pic.twitter.com/CHKrujfknz
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) August 3, 2026
“The 🐐 turns 49 today. Happy Birthday @tombrady!” the NFL also joined in with its own message.
The 🐐 turns 49 today. Happy Birthday @tombrady! pic.twitter.com/mlR3gYoprV
— NFL (@NFL) August 3, 2026
Sports Page Onyx compared Brady’s success to several current NFL teams, “Wins since 2020:
32 – Tom Brady (retired in 2023)
32 – Panthers
32 – Giants
28 – Jets”
Wins since 2020:
32 – Tom Brady (retired in 2023)
32 – Panthers
32 – Giants
28 – Jets pic.twitter.com/03UtspOePO— Onyx (@OnyxOdds) August 3, 2026
“[GOAT],” Former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson kept his wish short and simple.
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) August 3, 2026
“He’s 49 and still can start on more than half of these NFL teams,” one fan joked.
He’s 49 and still can start on more than half of these NFL teams bro https://t.co/6m2uhuTYKM
— BearsShowYo (@BearsShowYo) August 3, 2026
“49 years old. 7 rings. Still the standard. 🐐🎉 Happy Birthday, Tom Brady!” another said.
49 years old. 7 rings. Still the standard. 🐐🎉 Happy Birthday, Tom Brady! https://t.co/1o9vpQDpkt
— LouXpress (@LouXpress) August 3, 2026
“Happy Birthday To The Greatest To Ever Do It ! @TomBrady🐐🎈,” one more fan wrote.
Happy Birthday To The Greatest To Ever Do It ! @TomBrady 🐐🎈 https://t.co/iEVruhxZlI
— C$B (@1CourtSideBank) August 3, 2026
“Wow, big day for his biggest fans aka me and sam @twilightnatemac 🤍🤍🤍🤍 drinks on us @TomBrady,” a fan account commented.
wow big day for his biggest fans aka me and sam @twilightnatemac 🤍🤍🤍🤍 drinks on us @TomBrady https://t.co/cdXg0xCXbv
— kat⁹ (@j9eyb) August 3, 2026
The reactions showed that Brady’s popularity has not faded since he retired from the field. Whether fans rooted for him or against him during his playing days, there is little debate about what he accomplished.
Brady came to the NFL as the 199th overall pick in the 2000 draft, a selection that has become the greatest bargain in sports history. Over the next 23 seasons, he did something no other quarterback has matched to date.
He won seven Super Bowls, six with the New England Patriots and one with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also has five Super Bowl MVPs, three NFL MVP honors, and retired as the league’s all-time leader in passing yards and passing touchdowns.
In New England, Brady is still the face of the Patriots’ dynasty after leading the franchise to six championships. In Tampa Bay, he is remembered for delivering a Super Bowl title in his very first season with the Buccaneers.
For many other fan bases, though, Brady became the player they loved to hate. He spent two decades ending playoff runs and winning championships, making him among the most respected, most daunting and most frustrating players for opposing fans. Nevertheless, even those who rooted against him often celebrate him to this day.
