7 Emotional Layers Of Tom Brady's Cryptic 'Landslide' Post That Broke The Internet

The most analyzed and speculated-upon social media moment of late 2024 was undoubtedly Tom Brady’s cryptic "Landslide" post. Shared on his Instagram Story in late October 2024, the former NFL quarterback—widely considered the greatest of all time—posted a simple image of a sunset overlaid with the lyrics from The Chicks' cover of the classic Fleetwood Mac song, "Landslide." The post, which included three heart emojis, immediately went viral, not just for its poetic nature but because it surfaced mere hours after news broke that his ex-wife, supermodel Gisele Bündchen, was pregnant with her first child with her new boyfriend, Joaquim Valente. The post was a rare, raw glimpse into the emotional landscape of a celebrity known for his stoicism and intensely private personal life following his high-profile 2022 divorce. On this December 12, 2025, the "Landslide" post remains a touchstone for fans and media alike, serving as a powerful, non-verbal statement on change, reflection, and moving forward in the face of life’s most significant shifts.

The Legendary Career and Life of Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr.

To understand the weight of a simple Instagram Story, one must first grasp the magnitude of the man behind the post. Tom Brady’s biography is a chronicle of unprecedented success, but his personal life has become equally compelling in his post-playing career.

• Full Name: Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr.
• Born: August 3, 1977 (Age 48 as of 2025)
• Birthplace: San Mateo, California
• College: University of Michigan
• NFL Career: 2000–2023 (New England Patriots, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
• Super Bowl Wins: 7 (A record for any player or franchise)
• NFL MVP Awards: 3
• Marital Status: Divorced from Gisele Bündchen (married 2009–2022)
• Children: John "Jack" Edward Thomas Moynahan (with Bridget Moynahan), Benjamin Rein Brady, and Vivian Lake Brady (with Gisele Bündchen)
• Current Ventures (2025): Part-owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, lead NFL analyst for Fox Sports, and founder of the Brady Brand apparel line and TB12 wellness company.

Brady’s transition from the gridiron to the broadcast booth and the business world has kept him firmly in the public eye, but his social media activity generally revolves around business, fitness, or lighthearted sports commentary. This is what made the deeply personal nature of the "Landslide" post so significant.

The Cryptic Post and the Gisele Bündchen Context

The timing of the "Landslide" post was the primary catalyst for the media frenzy. On Monday, October 28, 2024, news outlets confirmed that Gisele Bündchen, Brady's ex-wife, was pregnant with her third child, the first with her jiu-jitsu instructor boyfriend, Joaquim Valente. The former power couple, who share two children, had finalized their divorce in October 2022. Within hours of the pregnancy news, Brady, who was 47 at the time, shared the now-infamous Instagram Story. The image was a stunning, peaceful sunset, accented by three heart emojis. The emotional core of the post, however, was the soundtrack: The Chicks' rendition of the 1975 Fleetwood Mac classic, "Landslide." The choice of song was immediately interpreted by fans and analysts as a direct, albeit subtle, reaction to the news. It was a rare public moment of vulnerability from a figure who has spent his entire career cultivating an image of impenetrable focus and success. The post suggested a man reflecting on the massive, irreversible changes in his life.

A Deep Dive into the 'Landslide' Lyrics and Their Meaning

The song "Landslide" is a timeless meditation on aging, change, and the passage of time. The specific lyrics highlighted in Brady's Instagram Story were particularly poignant and directly spoke to his recent life events, from retirement to divorce and his ex-wife's new chapter.

1. "Oh, mirror in the sky, what is love?"

This line, often featured in the clips shared by fans, speaks to a deep, existential questioning. For Brady, post-divorce and post-retirement, it suggests a profound reflection on the nature of his past relationship with Gisele and the meaning of love in his new, unscripted life. It’s a search for clarity in a period of emotional fog.

2. "Can the child within my heart rise?"

This lyric adds an especially complex layer, particularly given the context of Gisele's pregnancy. It can be interpreted as Brady grappling with the end of one family structure and the beginning of another for his ex-wife. It also speaks to a desire for personal renewal—the "child within" representing his own hopes, innocence, and ability to start fresh in his 40s.

3. "Can I sail through the changin' ocean tides?"

This is arguably the most telling line. The "changin' ocean tides" perfectly encapsulates the massive life overhaul Brady has experienced: leaving the NFL, ending his marriage, and stepping into new roles as a business owner and broadcaster. The question "Can I sail through?" is one of uncertainty, vulnerability, and a quiet acknowledgment of the difficulty of navigating such a significant personal "landslide."

The Legacy of the Cryptic Post in Tom Brady's 2025 Narrative

As of late 2025, the "Landslide" post has become a key part of the public narrative surrounding Tom Brady's retirement era. It humanized the global icon, showing that even a seven-time Super Bowl champion is susceptible to the emotional turmoil of a changing personal life. The post is a powerful example of how modern celebrities communicate complex emotions through music and imagery, bypassing formal statements. The subtle, yet profound, nature of the message allowed fans to project their own feelings onto the situation, creating a massive, collective moment of empathy. Brady has since focused intensely on his new career endeavors. His role as the lead NFL analyst for Fox Sports is highly anticipated, and his involvement with the Las Vegas Raiders as a co-owner solidifies his commitment to the league from a new perspective. While he has not publicly commented on the "Landslide" post, his actions—investing in the future, transitioning to a high-profile media role, and reflecting on his parenting regrets—all suggest a man who is indeed attempting to "sail through the changin' ocean tides." The post remains a testament to the fact that even legends face their own personal landslides.