12 August 2023 , 17:38
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Tom Brady experienced a taste of the highs and lows of English football after Birmingham City's dramatic win on his first visit to St Andrew's.
The American legend is more than used to the mercurial nature of sport after 23 years in the NFL but he will not be forgetting his first visit to the Second City anytime soon. After a whistle-stop journey to The Roost pub prior to kick-off, an eventful game saw Blues snatch a last-gasp win in stoppage time.
The New England Patriots icon was treated to a nail-biting game at the team's famous old stadium against Leeds United, who were relegated from the Premier League last term. Chasing their first EFL Championship win of the season, John Eustace's men left it late but they eventually secured all three points.
It had looked as though the match was heading towards a 0-0 stalemate before Daniel James bundled Ethan Laird over in the box to earn the Blues a late penalty. Late substitute Lukas Jutkiewicz duly stepped up to the spot in the 91st minute and converted the penalty past Illan Meslier.
Unsurprisingly, the injury-time winner sent St Andrews into rapturous celebrations, with Brady breaking into a beaming smile as the realisation set in that Birmingham were heading towards victory. After seeing out stoppage time, the NFL legend then was seen embracing those gathered in the director's box.
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Former quarterback Brady is the club's newest minority investor and is already clearly taking a hands-on approach to his new role as the chairman of a Birmingham's advisory board. The 46-year-old has entered into partnership with the club’s holding company, U.S.-based Knighthead Capital Management, who purchased a majority share in May.
This crucial victory may not have come about had the seven-time Super Bowl champion not given some words of inspiration to the Blues' players prior to kick-off. The megastar, who was named NFL MVP on three occasions during his glittering career stateside, also was in the dressing room following the win, manager Eustace revealed after the game.
It seems that Brady was quite taken in by the events that unfolded in the Second City during his memorable visit and he took to his social media to express his delight at the team's win. Quoting a tweet posted by the club's official account with the caption "You just knew it would be Jukey!", he added: "GET IN THERE!"
Tom Brady celebrated the win from the directors' box at St Andrew's (Phil Oldham/REX/Shutterstock)The ex- Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback is going above and beyond the line of duty in his new role, which will see him bring his expertise from his time in the NFL to the sport. In a statement issued upon the announcement that Brady had come on board, the club stated that he could be expected to "apply his extensive leadership experience and expertise across several components of the club".
After such a long and distinguished career at the elite level, he will also work with the club's sports science department to offer advice and guidance on health, nutrition and recovery programs. Brady officially retired from playing in February of this year, following Tampa Bay's defeat in the playoffs.
Birmingham City struggled to a 17th place finish last season but they have made a strong start this time around, with a 1-1 draw against Swansea City followed up by an EFL Cup victory over Cheltenham Town. Their first win of the Championship campaign will now have fans hoping that they can put last season's woes behind them.