When Tom Brady first stepped into the world of English football by joining Birmingham City as a minority owner, many fans rolled their eyes.
A seven-time Super Bowl champion turning up in the West Midlands? Surely, it had to be just another flashy PR stunt.
But two years on, it’s becoming increasingly clear — Brady isn’t just lending his name; he’s reshaping the club behind the scenes.
Zoom Calls and Locker Room Pep Talks from an NFL Legend
It turns out Brady’s role isn’t just symbolic.
Birmingham City players have been receiving regular Zoom calls from the NFL legend, and his influence is deeply felt in the dressing room.
Striker Alfie May, speaking from the club’s Algarve training camp, describes Brady’s impact: “When he talks, everyone listens. It’s hard not to.
He’s done it all at the top level, and that kind of presence commands attention.”
Fellow forward Jay Stansfield agrees, recalling Brady’s motivational speech before their clash with Wrexham last season — a match Birmingham won 3-1. “He speaks like a winner.
You can feel his passion for the club,” says Stansfield.
Even defender Christoph Klarer, who’s used to disciplined routines from his time in Germany, was struck by Brady’s clarity and intensity.
“He’s straight to the point, sharp, and always focused on success,” Klarer says.
A Surprise Call on a Wedding Day and a Personal Touch
Brady’s support extends beyond footballing matters.
May shared a personal moment from his brother’s wedding, where he asked Brady to record a quick congratulatory message.
To his surprise, Brady offered something better — a FaceTime call.
“It was surreal. He chatted with my brother like they’d known each other for years,” said May.
From Locker Room to Boardroom: Brady’s Business Value
It’s not just the players who benefit. Behind closed doors, Brady’s global appeal is proving to be a game-changer for the club’s commercial efforts.
Club chairman Tom Wagner, who wants to drive revenue and push Birmingham up the leagues, values Brady’s reputation as a magnet for sponsors.
When Birmingham are trying to land new signings or business deals, having Brady appear on a Zoom call can make all the difference.
And at one of the club’s highest-profile games against Wrexham, his friendship with David Beckham helped draw in a crowd of nearly 28,000.
Brady’s Fitness Philosophy Finds a Home in Warwickshire
Perhaps the most practical part of Brady’s influence lies in the club’s training base near Henley-in-Arden.
There, the logo of TBRx — his personal performance brand — is stamped on gym walls, recovery rooms, and medical spaces.
TBRx, which Brady runs with longtime wellness coach Alex Guerrero, has brought a whole new approach to player health.
The program focuses on recovery, injury prevention, and performance — built on principles that helped Brady play professional sport into his mid-40s.
Klarer credits TBRx with his most durable season yet: “I played more matches last year than ever before, and the treatment we got was unreal.
There’s always someone ready to help you recover or train smarter.”
Guerrero’s Controversial Role, but Undeniable Results
Alex Guerrero is a controversial figure in the U.S., having faced bans in the past for dubious medical claims. But to Brady, he’s a trusted partner.
With Guerrero by his side, Brady collected multiple MVP titles and extended his playing career far beyond what’s typical in the NFL.
That same philosophy is now embedded in Birmingham’s day-to-day operations.
Players are expected to show up for recovery work the day after matches — which means fewer days off, but better long-term fitness.
Bigger Staff, Bigger Goals
Since the club was taken over by Knighthead Capital in 2023, the size of the support team has nearly doubled.
More physiotherapists, massage therapists, and fitness coaches are now on hand daily.
And TBRx specialists have even trained Birmingham’s staff in their methods, making the program sustainable long-term.
This kind of investment, Klarer says, wasn’t even available when he played in the Bundesliga: “We’ve got resources here I never had in Germany.
If I need anything — a physio, massage, gym routine — it’s ready and waiting.”
Brady’s Vision: More Than Just a Name on the Door
Though his financial stake in the club is relatively small, Brady is determined not to be part of a losing project.
In the upcoming Amazon Prime documentary Built In Birmingham, launching August 1, he makes his position clear: “This is not a vanity thing,” he says in the trailer. “Let’s get our elbows dirty.”
That quote captures the essence of Brady’s involvement — hands-on, focused, and entirely serious.
He’s not just here for the cameras or brand deals.
He wants Birmingham to succeed, and he’s showing the squad how to match his mindset.
What Comes Next for Brady and Birmingham?
Brady’s influence is still growing — from locker room speeches to boardroom strategy to everyday fitness routines.
And with Birmingham City pushing for bigger things on and off the pitch, his presence could be the secret edge the club needs to rise through the ranks.
So the next time someone shrugs off Tom Brady’s role in English football, point them here — because at Birmingham City, he’s not just part of the story. He’s shaping it.