Tom Brady’s fresh romance with supermodel Candice Swanepoel has placed the retired NFL quarterback at the center of drama already.
New reports indicate there’s a falling-out between Swanepoel and fellow supermodel Joan Smalls over the football legend, adding another twist to his personal life.
The rumors intensified after the two models unfollowed each other on social media, while cryptic and now-deleted comments from Joan Smalls fueled speculation that Candice Swanepoel had “backstabbed” her.
Tom Brady’s Budding Romance With Candice Swanepoel Raises Eyebrows
Brady, 49, has reportedly been dating Swanepoel, 38, for several months, with reports suggesting the pair have been spending time together in Miami, where both are based.
According to People Magazine, the relationship has been developing quietly. A source told the publication, “They’ve been dating for a while now,” adding that living in the same city makes spending time together convenient.
The source also indicated that the couple has been keeping their connection private, with Swanepoel reportedly selective about whom she tells.
Another report from Page Six suggested that Brady “really likes” the model but that their relationship is not particularly serious at this stage.
The romance has attracted attention because Brady has largely kept his dating life out of the spotlight since his 2022 divorce from Gisele Bündchen.
The former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback has nevertheless been linked to several high-profile women, mostly models, since the split, with Swanepoel being the latest.
Joan Smalls’ Cryptic Comments Fuel Allegations Of A Love Triangle Between Her, Tom Brady And Candice Swanepoel
Attention shifted from Brady’s reported romance to the apparent tension between Swanepoel and Smalls after social media users noticed that the longtime friends had unfollowed each other.
Smalls then appeared to add fuel to the speculation by commenting on an Instagram post about the alleged feud.
“Two words: ‘SUMMER HOUSE!’ That’ll explain everything,” she wrote.
The remark was interpreted as a possible reference to the Bravo reality series “Summer House,” which featured a friendship controversy after Amanda Batula began dating West Wilson, who had previously been romantically involved with her friend Ciara Miller.
Smalls’ comment prompted speculation that her disagreement with Swanepoel might involve a similar situation in which a friendship was complicated by a romantic relationship.
According to screenshots of comments attributed to Smalls, the Puerto Rican model responded to a fan asking whether she was still friends with Swanepoel by writing, “I’m not friends with backstabbers.”
Another alleged Instagram comment from Smalls, which has since been deleted, also criticized the treatment she had received from someone she had considered a close friend.
“There is no girl code with some people,” the comment reportedly read. “And the disrespect and carelessness in how they treat you is unimaginable.”
- Tom Brady’s new girlfriend raises eyebrows about his pattern of dating models.
- The NFL star and Swanepoel go to “great lengths” to keep their romance a secret.
- Brady was mocked over his surprising dig at Joe Burrow after he partied with Alix Earle.
- How Gisele Bündchen felt about Brady’s rumored romance with a much younger woman.
- Brady and Earle were reportedly “hooking up” as they had “romantic chemistry.”
- Bizarre Tom Brady and Erika Kirk dating rumor was swiftly debunked after millions of views.
Source Claims Candice Swanepoel Urged Joan Smalls To End A Secret Fling With Tom Brady ‘Out Of Respect’ For Gisele Bündchen
The Swanepoel drama continued with Smalls referring to dishonesty and the breakdown of a 15-year friendship, concluding: “Not a sorry said or written. Onwards and upwards!!!”
Now, an unverified tip shared by popular gossip blog DeuxMoi subsequently suggested that Brady could be connected to the dispute, claiming that Smalls and the legendary quarterback “dated on and off for approximately a year.”
During this period, Swanepoel allegedly “expressed concern about the relationship out of respect for Brady’s ex-wife, Gisele Bündchen, and cautioned Joan to be careful.”
The report said that Brady had been romantically involved with both women at different times, potentially shedding light on why their once-close friendship may have broken down.
Tom Brady’s Divorce From Gisele Bündchen
Brady’s reported relationship with Swanepoel comes four years after his divorce from Bündchen, ending their 13-year marriage in October 2022.
The former couple announced their separation publicly, with both indicating that they would continue prioritizing their children, while asking for the needed privacy as they continue their new reality.
They share two children, Benjamin and Vivian. Brady also has a son, Jack, from his previous relationship with actress Bridget Moynahan.
Although Brady and Bündchen have moved forward separately, their personal lives continue to attract public attention because of their prominence and their respective relationships since the split.
Bündchen has since moved on with jiu-jitsu instructor Joaquim Valente. The couple married in 2025 and welcomed a child together in February of that year.
Brady, meanwhile, has been linked to several women since his divorce, including model Irina Shayk and influencer Alix Earle. However, those reported connections have not resulted in a publicly confirmed relationship.
Tom Brady Is Not In A Rush To Settle Down And Is Focused On Being A Dad, Source Claims
According to sources cited by TMZ, Brady has mostly remained focused on his responsibilities as a father amid the romance speculation.
He is reportedly taking his time romantically while continuing to devote considerable attention to his three children.
Insiders claim Brady is deeply involved in his children’s lives, with the family seemingly enjoying a different activity together almost every day.
That reported approach would be consistent with his efforts to balance life after professional football with family responsibilities and other commitments.