Tom Brady will not join Patriots for White House visit due to ‘personal family matters’

When the New England Patriots visit the White House Wednesday, Tom Brady won’t be there. Brady released a statement Tuesday announcing that he will be attending to some “personal family matters” and won’t be able to go.

“In light of some recent developments, I am unable to attend today’s ceremony, as I am attending to some personal family matters,” the statement read.

Brady’s mother, Galynn, has been battling an illness for several months. The only game she was able to attend last season was the Super Bowl, which made that game particularly meaningful to Brady.

“My dad has been to one (game),” Brady said, via NESN’s Zack Cox. “That’s very atypical. They’re going to be here this weekend, which I’m excited about. It’ll be nice to see everybody. I’ve got a big crew coming.”

Brady has an existing relationship with President Donald Trump. He has referred to Trump as a “good friend,” and that friendship was his explanation for a “Make America Great Again” hat reporters spotted in his locker.

Brady has won five Super Bowls and has had plenty of opportunities to visit the White House. He missed the White House visit following the Patriots Super Bowl XLIX win for a previously scheduled family commitment. Brady said at the time that it wasn’t a political decision.

“It really is a great experience,” Brady told Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. “Putting politics aside, it never was a political thing. At least, it never was to me. It meant you won a championship and you got to experience something cool with your team, with your teammates.”

Several of Brady’s teammates, including Martellus Bennett, Devin McCourty, Dont’a Hightower, Chris Long, LeGarrette Blount and Alan Branch, will also miss the White House visit.