Birmingham City fans were left stunned after one of the world’s biggest sports star bought everyone a drink in a surprise visit to a local bar before their game with Leeds.
NFL superstar Tom Brady was in attendance at the Blues’ 1-0 victory over Leeds on Saturday.
The seven-time Super Bowl champion was also said to visit two local drinking establishments in the build-up to the game.
Fans shared pictures of Brady at The Roost pub, while the 46-year-old was also said to have visited a nearby bar at the Royal George Hotel.
At the Royal George Hotel, Brady is said to have ‘bought everyone a drink’ for a total of £150, while also leaving a £400 tip for the venue in Small Heath.
Former NFL star Tom Brady, left Birmingham City fans in awe as he made a surprise appearance at local venues near St Andrew’s Stadium ahead of their clash against Leeds
Tom Brady surprised Birmingham fans at a pub before attending his first game as co-owner
Brady is said to have bought a round worth £150 for Birmingham City fans at the Royal George Hotel in Small Heath near the club’s ground – before leaving an additional £400 tip for the bar
As per the Birmingham Mail, owner Antoin McGroarty said he had no idea that the NFL legend would attend his venue, along with chairman Tom Wagner and CFO Gary Cook.
He said: ‘I was standing behind the bar and it was such a shock. I couldn’t believe it. He’s probably the biggest sports star in the world and to pop into our pub, in the middle of Small Heath, it was amazing.
‘That game will go down in history because of them taking over the whole club. You could see the whole day was electric before and after the game, with the two Toms coming in and the results.
‘Everybody was sort of shell shocked as they were standing there for a beer. You don’t expect the biggest sports star in the world to walk in. There was a stampede for selfies after that.’
Brady is said to have mingled with fans at the bar, as well as at the Roost.
The iconic NFL quarterback, who has recently acquired a stake in the Sky Bet Championship club, strutted into The Roost pub to the astonishment of Birmingham City fans.
Tom Brady met the Birmingham soccer team in the locker room on his first visit as an owner
Ahead of their Leeds United clash, the atmosphere was electric as Brady, flanked by a film crew and his vigilant bodyguards, entered the establishment.
Kelsea Ravenhill, 26, a fervent Birmingham City supporter, couldn’t contain her excitement at seeing Brady at The Roost, tweeting: ‘Tom Brady is here and he’s perfect.
Speaking to the PA news agency, Ravenhill recounted the unforgettable moment, saying, ‘The film crew, Tom Brady, his bodyguards all entered the pub for his Blues entrance and introduced himself to all our fans.
‘The place is rocking, completely changed the atmosphere, he is just a sports legend!’ she exclaimed.
‘It’s made everyone’s day, was a pleasure to meet him and I just hope we can get the three points for him later now.’
Brady announced he had become a minority investor in the second-tier English team last week on his birthday and flew to England to watch them play the first home game of the new season
Brady’s investment in the club is already showing positive results as the seven-time Super Bowl champion teamed up with the club’s owners, Knighthead Capital Management.
He will lead a new advisory board, which has thrilled both fans and insiders.
The club are confident that Brady’s illustrious career and leadership acumen will be invaluable across all parts of the club.
Before the game’s kick-off, Brady playfully took to Twitter, engaging with his new fanbase, ‘Any plans before kick-off guys? See you at St. Andrew’s.’
His involvement will extend to collaborating with the sports science department, health, nutrition, wellness, and recovery systems.
Before the game’s kick-off, Brady playfully took to Twitter, engaging with his new fanbase, ‘Any plans before kick-off guys? See you at St. Andrew’s.’
Brady’s appearance in the local boozer came moments before the NFL star appeared in the Birmingham City changing rooms before kick-off.
Amidst his investment in the Championship side, sources told DailyMail.com that Brady is building himself a lavish new pad in Los Angeles as he moves on in the wake of his divorce from supermodel Gisele Bündchen.
