From Pizza Hut to Dunkin’, Tom Brady is seemingly everywhere these days promoting food brands he never would have touched when he played in the NFL.
The seven-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback followed a strict health-focused diet and once called soda and sugary cereals “poison for children.” But Brady says he has softened his stance in retirement.
“I think it’s moderation in all things,” Brady told CNBC’s Alex Sherman in a recent interview while discussing his partnership with Ferrero, one of the world’s largest candy makers. CNBC Sport’s full interview with Brady will be released Thursday.
“I think there have probably been people who have gone overboard with that kind of rigidity in my lifestyle or my diet,” he said. “I have kids and Halloween parties and birthdays, and we’re just like a normal family.”
Brady built his career on health and longevity, pillars that helped him play high-level football until the age of 45. He is also the co-founder of TB12, a wellness brand focused on an anti-inflammatory diet, known for unconventional recipes like avocado ice cream.
Brady recently discontinued his TB12 brand and incorporated it into fitness brand Nobull. Now when it comes to recommendations, Brady said he focuses more on creativity and connection.
“It’s good scripts and good writing,” he said, as well as opportunities for dialogue with fans.
During this year’s Super Bowl, Brady debuted both a Pizza Hut commercial in which he is accosted by an elderly woman while delivering pizza, and a Dunkin’ commercial spoofing “Good Will Hunting.”
Brady’s partnership with Ferrero includes a campaign tied to the 2026 World Cup. In the ad, Brady is shown taking a bite from a Crunch chocolate bar and posing next to a trophy filled with chocolatey and sugary snacks.
“I just want to go out and have a good time with people,” Brady said.
Despite this, Brady said he still seeks to make healthy choices, but when he’s watching a football game or traveling, he said it can be more difficult.
Although he has hung up his football cleats, Brady said he still works out frequently and makes sure to stay hydrated.
“I also understand the reality of life,” he added. “I’ve been very fortunate throughout my life to have people who prepared food for me all the time and we had nutritionists on our staff, and I’ve been very fortunate to have that.”
“I know there are a lot of other people who work really hard all year round to provide for their families, and I have a lot of respect for those people and how they enjoy their lives too,” Brady said.
Brady said that when it comes to his own family, he makes pancakes for his kids with Nutella – another Ferrero product.
As for his own guilty pleasure? “Tic Tacs,” Brady said. (Yet another Ferrero brand.)
“They are everywhere in my house and when I broadcast,” he said.