Tom Brady says 'it's a challenge to be a good parent,' months after Netflix roast affected his kids

FOX NFL studio analyst Rob Gronkowski gives advice to former teammate Tom Brady about his debut as an NFL analyst and highlights his campaign to give back to small-town football teams.

Tom Brady made winning the Super Bowl look easy at times. Now he's facing the pressures of ever-evolving parenthood. Even for the most accomplished player in NFL history, being a dad is still "challenging," he admits. 

"And all the parents out there know that it’s a challenge to be a good parent," Brady said during an interview with Stephen A. Smith at Fanatics Fest NYC Friday. "I got a lot of things that keep me busy, but still trying to be a great dad and be there for my kids."

Brady shared that he often doesn't hear from his 14-year-old son Benjamin, 16-year-old son Jack or 11-year-old daughter Vivian unless they want something. 

"Every time they call me I know there is a request because when they don’t call, I don’t hear from them. And when I don’t hear from them, I know they don’t want anything," he said. 

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Tom Brady in his final NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys in an NFC wild-card playoff game at Raymond James Stadium Jan. 16, 2023, in Tampa, Fla. (Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

One bright spot for Brady in seeing his kids grow up is that they have become more understanding of why he's spent so much time away from the family throughout his career. Brady played in the NFL from 2000 to 2022. 

Now, after a year away from the game, Brady will take over as the top color commentator for the NFL on FOX this season.

"They begin to appreciate …. as they get older and start to have the responsibilities of an adult," Brady said. "When you’re working hard to be a dad and also provide for the