The Daily Observer London Desk: Reporter- Judith Benjamin
Tom Brady has expanded his post-NFL business portfolio by joining Delta Air Lines as a ‘strategic adviser’ and brand advocate.
The legendary quarterback, who retired in February at the age of 45, has signed a ‘long-term’ contract with the airline and Delta CEO Ed Bastian vowed: ‘Magic is going to happen.’
Brady’s mother Galynn worked as a flight attendant during his childhood and Delta hailed the ‘innovative new partnership’ as a chance to tap into his ‘expertise in teamwork, performance, and perseverance’ as well as his ‘spirit of winning and passion for inspiring people to be the best version of themselves.’
Brady’s role will involve helping to develop training and ‘teamwork tools’ for the airline’s 90,000-plus employees and ‘inspiring the next generation of Delta community leaders.’
The 46-year-old won seven Super Bowl crowns during an astonishing 23-year career in the NFL. He spent two decades with the New England Patriots before joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and winning another Vince Lombardi Trophy.
Tom Brady has joined Delta Air Lines as a ‘strategic adviser’ and brand advocate
Brady’s mother Galynn (pictured) worked as a flight attendant during his childhood
Since announcing his retirement, Brady has kept himself busy with numerous business investments and opportunities.
In August, the former quarterback became a minority owner in English soccer club Birmingham City. Earlier this year, he also bought a stake in WNBA champions, the Las Vegas Aces.
In May, Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis said he had ‘come to an agreement’ with Brady to join the organization’s ownership group, pending NFL approval.
Starting next season, meanwhile, Brady will become Fox Sports’ lead NFL analyst. The 46-year-old has reportedly signed a decade-long deal worth $375million.
The 46-year-old won seven Super Bowl crowns during an astonishing 23-year career in the NFL
‘I am grateful to be joining the Delta family, a company I have loved and respected for years,’ Brady said in a statement.
‘Growing up with a mother as a flight attendant, I have always admired the people that make seamless air transportation possible.
‘Throughout my career, my teammates and I flew Delta countless times, spending hours traveling for some of the most important games of our lives, even celebrating Super Bowl wins on the plane.
‘Those championship teams were built off of great leadership and a commitment to excellence, and Delta certainly shares those qualities… I look forward to playing my part to continue the company’s success.’
In August, Brady became a minority owner in English soccer club Birmingham City
Delta CEO Ed Bastian insisted this ‘unique, one-of-a-kind partnership’ is more than a PR stunt.
‘This is not a sponsorship – yes, Tom will obviously be representing the brand and he’s awesome at it,’ he told CNBC. ‘But what I’m more excited about: he’s going to come inside the company and he’s going to be talking to our people about greatness, resilience, excellence, performance in a team sport.’
Brady hopes to ‘inspire people to grow great communities, and teams of people.’
He told CNBC: ‘I’ve been very fortunate over the years to be a part of a lot of those and in this next chapter of my life, to continue to do things like that stimulates my own personal growth and I’m excited to share a lot of the lessons I’ve learned.
‘A lot of that teamwork, I always believe it starts at the top.. great leadership that give great information to the people, that can inspire the athletes to maximise their opportunity and potential. For me to live this in a different way, to join a different team is really fun.’
