The New York Islanders are enjoying a strong run this season. They’re coming off a dominant 9-0 shutout of the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday and currently sit second in the Metropolitan Division, having won five of their last seven games.
Amid the team’s success, rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer is drawing attention both on and off the ice, this time for his connection to Tom Brady and a major branding opportunity.
Islanders’ Matthew Schaefer Confirms Tom Brady’s Recruitment Pitch
Schaefer has officially signed on with NOBULL, the performance apparel company co-owned by Brady and valued at $500 million. The partnership gained traction after Brady appeared in a video posted to NOBULL’s Instagram account, where he was asked which NHL player he would most want representing the brand.
“One player right now?” Brady said. “I talked to this kid Matthew. This young guy. He kind of has that eye of the tiger.”
That endorsement alone was enough to turn heads, but Schaefer later confirmed that the connection went beyond social media.
Speaking during Tuesday’s morning skate, Schaefer was asked whether he had spoken directly with Brady following the video.
“Yeah, I FaceTimed him one time,” Schaefer said. “He’s a great guy and someone I really look up to. We talked a lot about the brand and what they’ve got going on with NOBULL. You never know what could happen down the road.”
When pressed about what the conversation meant to him personally, Schaefer didn’t hide his excitement. “It was really cool,” he said, “I’m super honored to be a part of what they’ve got going on, especially with Tom involved.”
Schaefer added that while he didn’t grow up watching much football, he always knew who Brady was, noting that everyone did, and that he is widely regarded as the “GOAT.” He described, “it was pretty special to talk to him and hear from someone I’ve looked up to.”
Schaefer continues to back it up on the ice as well. The 18-year-old defenseman continues to be a difference-maker for the Islanders, most notably in Saturday’s 4-3 overtime win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he scored twice, including the game-winner, while battling through the flu. He followed that performance with an assist in Tuesday’s blowout win over New Jersey.
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Selected first overall in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, Schaefer has delivered an impressive rookie campaign. Through 43 games, he has recorded 29 points and owns a plus-10 rating.
Next up, Schaefer and the Islanders will next face the Nashville Predators on Thursday.
