"I think my dad is my hero": When Tom Brady teared up at a press conference while talking about his dad
Tom Brady has won many Super Bowls, but none was likely more emotional than in 2017. On the verge of making history with his fifth title, Brady was set to achieve the milestone in front of his parents.
During Super Bowl media day in January 2017, a week before the big game, a kid asked Brady who his hero was.
“Who's my hero? Great question," Brady said (via CBS Boston). "Well, I think my dad is my hero because he's someone that I look up to every day. I’d say my dad represents his feelings, you know, because he’s a dad, and I’m a dad.”
Meet Tom Brady's father - Thomas Brady Sr., of Irish descent
While answering the question, Brady paused multiple times and lost track of himself. Though Brady didn’t cry, he got close to crying on many occasions. Family has been an important aspect of Brady’s life.
Thomas Brady Sr. is 80 years old and stays in San Mateo with his wife, Galynn Patricia. He is of Irish descent, and his grandparents were refugees of the great famine. Brady founded a life insurance company in California called Thomas Brady and Associated Insurance Firm.
Brady met Galynn in San Mateo and married her on April 19, 1969. Together, they had four kids: Brady and three daughters, Maureen, Nancy, and Julie.
Tom Brady dedicates Super Bowl LV to his mother
Brady’s mother, Galynn, is 79 years old and was born in Browerville, MN. In 2016, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent chemotherapy. Eventually, she made it to the Super Bowl 2017, her first appearance since she was diagnosed.
“I'm overwhelmed!" Galynn said (via CBS News). "I was just praying. All I did was pray, the whole game, just pray.”
Brady was also excited to see his mother among the crowd. An emotional Brady had already dedicated the game to his mother, irrespective of the result. When he was interviewed by Westwood One's Jim Gray, he said:
“She's my everything. I just love her so much.”
Ultimately, Brady led the New England Patriots to a fifth title. He completed 43 of his 62 passes for 466 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. The Patriots secured a come-from-behind win after being 28-3 at one point. They won 34-28 in overtime.