Tom Brady Blasted for Junk Food Ads After Being Health Food Advocate for So Long

Former football superstar Tom Brady is known for a few things. His skills on the gridiron, his physique, his messy public divorce, and his promotion of health and wellness through the years.

But in retirement, it would seem that the famed quarterback is loosening up a little, much to pretty much everyone's surprise.

The retired NFL star appeared in a series of ads for so-called "junk food" purveyors such as Dunkin' Donuts, Pizza Hut, and Ferrero Rocher.

Tom offered an explanation for the abrupt about-face on food endorsements. Here's what he had to say.

Once upon a time, Tom was limited to a strict diet to stay healthy as he led season after season in the NFL. But it would seem that retirement has loosened a few things with the once-health-obsessed former sports star.

Whereas he once called sugary cereals and sodas "poison for kids," it would seem he feels a little more amicable towards sugar these days.

While discussing an upcoming ad partnership with candy maker Ferrero Rocher, Tom explained to CNBC, "I think it’s moderation in all things. I think there’s probably been people who have gone overboard with the kind of rigidity of my lifestyle or diet. I have kids, and I have Halloweens and birthday parties, and we’re like a normal family." He added, "I just want to get out there and have a great time with the people."

But even though he's a little less strict about his diet, Tom still works out and focuses on hydration, explaining, "I understand the reality of life as well. I’ve been very fortunate over the course of my life to have people make food for me all the time, and we’ve had nutritionists as part of our teams, and I’ve been very blessed to have that.”

He mused, "I know there’s a lot of other people that are working really hard year round to provide for their family, and I have a lot of respect for those people and the way that they go about enjoying their life too.”

Of course, Tom's about-face on junk food isn't the only thing he's made headlines for in 2026. There's a rumor linking him to model and influencer Alix Earle.

So, are they dating?

It would appear that they are not a couple. There is speculation that they may have had a little tryst at the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026, but it does not seem to have amounted to anything permanent.

It was reported to Us Weekly by a source that the two "had an instant connection" while spending New Year's Eve together on St. Barth's Island.

The source said, "There was a lot of chemistry between them.” However, while the two seemed to enjoy each other’s company and Alix was “really into hanging out with” Tom, she wasn’t on the hunt for “anything serious.”

So, for Alix and Tom shippers, no dice.