Greenwich reacts to Brady/ Bundchen move
GREENWICH — Greenwich residents took in stride Tuesday reports that Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen, long rumored to be eyeing Greenwich as their next home, have made the jump and purchased a mansion in town as questions swirl about the star quarterback’s future.
“It’s nice to have people buying real estate in Greenwich right now,” said Will Featherston, a 35-year Greenwich resident, who was eating with friends at the Two Door Restaurant in Greenwich.
“He’s got money to spend,” Featherston continued. “I don’t think it’ll change anything in Greenwich. Greenwich has a way of living with celebrities and not really noticing.”
The longtime quarterback of the New England Patriots and the supermodel and entrepreneur have moved out of their home near Boston and moved into a recently purchased home in Greenwich, according to several New England media sources, including radio host Greg Hill, who interviews Brady each week on his radio show. He reported on the move Tuesday.
Chatter in the real-estate community has for months said Brady and Bundchen were looking at properties in Greenwich and Alpine, N.J., this summer. The couple also have a home in lower Manhattan.
The real estate website https://homesoftherich.net/ is reporting that Brady and Bundchen purchased their backcountry home on 10 acres for $9 million.
On Tuesday at the Assessor’s office in Greenwich there was no information about a sale to the couple going through, only unconfirmed rumors; though it is unlikely the couple would have made the purchase under their own names.
Fred Whalen, a retired attorney who was eating eating sausage and onion rings with a friend at the Two Door, said Brady would be “an asset to the town of Greenwich.”
“I’m delighted,” he said. “I think it’s a good thing. I think he’s a good guy.”
In Town Hall, First Selectman Fred Camillo was quick to welcome Brady even though the Patriots have long been AFC rivals with Camillo’s favored Pittsburgh Steelers.
“While he does not wear the black and gold, we in town are happy and honored that one of pro football’s all-time greatest quarterbacks has chosen Greenwich as his new home,” Camillo said.
“I look forward to calling him a fellow resident and wish him nothing but success in all future endeavors, except for when he plays the Steelers.”
The sting of defeat at the hands of the Patriots has also been felt deeply by town resident Howard Richman, a longtime fan of the New York Jets. But Richman, the former town tax collector, was also quick to praise the future Hall of Famer.
“Being a Jets season ticket holder for over 40 years, I have felt the pain of my team being in the same division as the Patriots,” Richman said. “Having said that, I have the utmost respect for Tom Brady, who will be considered one of the greatest quarterbacks who has ever played the game.”
The sale and purchase have fueled speculation about Brady’s future. The 42-year-old has indicated he wants to continue playing, and could become a free agent in March — though it is unthinkable to New England fans to see him colors other than the Patriots’ blue and silver.
The Los Angeles Chargers and Chicago Bears have been speculated as potential destinations if Brady and the Patriots do not reach an agreement.
His success with the Patriots — six Super Bowl rings, four Super Bowl MVP awards, three NFL MVP designations — is unprecedented in National Football League history.
But Brady and Bundchen will find themselves in familiar company in Greenwich. The town has been the home base to legions of sports, film and media celebrities through the years.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.