Tom Brady is getting another chance to enjoy the companionship of a beloved pet — only this time, it’s almost like stepping back in time.
The seven-time Super Bowl champion recently introduced his new dog, Junie, revealing that she is a clone of his late pit bull mix, Lua, who passed away two years ago.
“I love my animals,” Brady said in a statement shared through biotech company Colossal Biosciences, according to People. “They mean the world to me and my family.
A few years ago, I worked with Colossal and used their non-invasive cloning technology, taking a simple blood sample from our elderly dog before she passed.
Now, my children and I get a second chance with a clone of our beloved Lua.”
A Family of Dogs Through the Years
Brady has long been a dog lover. Alongside Lua, adopted in 2014, the quarterback also welcomed a beagle named Scooby in 2015 and a terrier called Fluffy in 2016.
He currently has a black pit bull mix named Onyx.
Lua’s passing in 2023 came shortly after Brady finalized his divorce from Gisele Bündchen, making the arrival of Junie a sentimental reunion for the family.
Cloning Sparks Strong Reactions
Not everyone is thrilled by the idea of cloning a pet.
Even devoted fans like Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy expressed their discomfort, calling the decision “weird as f***.”
Social media quickly buzzed with criticism and jokes, with one user quipping, “Bro got a Super Bowl ring and a Jurassic Park starter kit,” referencing Michael Crichton’s novel about cloning dinosaurs.
Colossal Biosciences, the biotech company behind Junie’s cloning, recently acquired Viagen Pets and Equine, which has previously cloned animals for celebrities such as Paris Hilton and Barbra Streisand.
Argentina’s President Javier Milei has even reportedly cloned his dog Conan five times.
With cloning costs ranging from $50,000 to $85,000 per pet and nearly a million shelter animals euthanized each year in the U.S., critics have argued that adopting rescued animals might be a better alternative.
Public Debate Over Ethics and Priorities
Fans online have expressed frustration with the trend, suggesting that Brady could redirect his resources toward pet adoption centers instead.
Comments like “Rich people activity” and “This is weird, Tom” reflected a wider debate about the ethics of cloning animals when so many need homes.
Brady’s Role with Colossal Biosciences
Brady isn’t just a customer; he’s an investor in Colossal Biosciences.
The company made headlines earlier this year when it claimed to have “revived” dire wolves, an extinct species, using genetic engineering.
It also hopes to bring back woolly mammoths by 2027, positioning itself at the cutting edge of de-extinction science.
Past Controversy Adds Context
Brady’s love for dogs hasn’t been without controversy.
In September, during Fox Sports coverage of the Bears vs. Cowboys, he made a remark about a frustrated football player, saying, “Kick the dog, throw the helmet, whatever it takes.”
The comment drew criticism from viewers and PETA, who reminded him that public figures have influence over how society perceives animal treatment.
While PETA did not accuse Brady of promoting abuse, some online users reacted strongly, claiming the remark normalized mistreatment of pets.
A Second Chance for Lua
Despite the backlash, Brady and his family are celebrating the arrival of Junie as a meaningful reunion with their lost pet.
With heartfelt social media posts, he shared his excitement for his children to bond with Lua’s genetic successor and create new memories together.
For Brady, it’s another chapter in a life full of Super Bowls, family milestones, and now, a cloned companion bringing comfort and joy.