Tom Brady joins Hollywood star and fellow NFL legend as celebrity investors in football

Brady has become a minority owner of Birmingham City and becomes the latest NFL legend to purchase stake in an English footballing side after the Blues were bought by American billionaire Tom Wagner

Tom Brady might have retired from playing in the NFL, but he has now taken up a new role in football.

After being in talks to become a minority owner in the Las Vegas Raiders, the 46-year-old has now invested in Championship side Birmingham City FC. Brady is set to hold the role of chairman of the club's advisory board - joining fellow American Tom Wagner who purchased ownership of the team earlier this summer.

Brady becomes just the latest star from across the pond - with fellow NFL star JJ Watt being in a similar role with Premier League side Burnley. Watt, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, announced his retirement last year and has become a successful entrepreneur alongside Kealia, a former USWNT international soccer player.

And last year, Hollywood superstar Michael B Jordan became one of Bournemouth's new owners, after their sale to a US-based consortium has received Premier League approval.

Both Jordan and Watt have been seen at games last season, with them expected to offer guidance around marketing and growing the respective Premier League clubs as an international brand.

Meanwhile, NBA legend LeBron James owns a minority stake in Liverpool FC, becoming a part owner back in 2011.

The flurry of north American stars investing in English footballing sides has come off the back of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney purchasing full ownership of Wrexham FC. The two purchased the club in 2021, and have since lead the northern Welsh side back to the EFL for the first time in 17 years - following the success of their hit docuseries Welcome to Wrexham.

While Brady will not be the majority owner like Reynolds and McElhenney, he is expected to have a hands-on role with the team, and has already promised to be at the St. Andrews stadium soon.

The legendary quarterback is set to work alongside the sports science department to advise on health, nutrition, wellness, and recovery systems and programmes. He will also advise the board, as well as the management team, on the their marketing - similarly to Watt and Jordan.

In a statement posted on his social media platforms, Brady said: "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. 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."

Brady will have a clear schedule for the next 12 months, but is set to become a major analyst at Fox Sports after signing a huge 10-year, £306 million deal - which he will begin in the 2024 NFL season.

LeBron James (NBA) - Liverpool FC

Tom Brady (NFL) - Birmingham City FC

JJ Watt (NFL) & Kealia Watt (football) - Burnley FC

Michael B Jordan (actor) - Bournemouth FC

Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney (actors) - Wrexham FC

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