Tracing Tom Brady's retirement video to Surfside
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Tom and I. Photo: Martin Vassolo/Axios
Like sports fans everywhere, I was shocked to see Tom Brady's announcement on Wednesday that he's retiring "for good" from the NFL.
- But it wasn't the retirement that surprised me; it was where he announced it. As soon as my wife Marta and I saw the beachside social media video Brady posted to his Instagram, we knew the backdrop looked familiar.
Turns out, it was about a mile away from our apartment, on a public beach in the tiny town of Surfside where I grew up.
- Of note: Marta was first to realize it was south of 94th street. She might as well have a degree in Google Maps sleuthing.
So I drove down Collins Avenue, entered the beach at 94th street and tried to retrace Tom's steps.
- I found a raised section of sand near the dunes in front of the Fendi Chateau Residences, where Brady appears to have filmed his emotional goodbye, and tried to recreate the moment.
- After several minutes, I found the perfect angle, with my head framed by the Azure and Solimar condo buildings.
Context: The beach is within walking distance to the Indian Creek mansion that Brady and ex-wife Gisele Bündchen reportedly bought in 2020, which is being renovated.
- Late last year, Bündchen reportedly bought two other homes in Surfside close to the Indian Creek mansion.
- Brady has spent a lot of time in Miami recently, touring a private school last week and taking the family out for pizza to Miami Slice with David Beckham.
The bottom line: Miami is known for its vacation selfies, but Tom may have invented a new one. I wonder if Dolphins fans who've seen their team destroyed by Brady will turn this into a shrine rejoicing his retirement.
- I should've worn my Fins jersey.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to add context about Brady and Bündchen's properties in the Surfside area.