Former New England Patriot Tom Brady Has Deep Irish Roots

He may be a Cali kid and not a Bay Stater, but former New England Patriot Tom Brady was right at home here in Massachusetts, the state with the second-highest percentage of residents of Irish ancestry.

Brady lived in Massachusetts for 20 seasons while a member of the Patriots organization. In my book, that qualifies you to be a Masshole.

Plus, with a name like Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr., who can challenge your Irish credentials?

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Tom Brady was born August 3, 1977, to Tom Brady Sr. and Galynn Patricia Brady in San Mateo, California.

Brady is among the best – if not the best – to ever play in the National Football League.

IrishAmerica.com recalls a press conference when Brady asked about his Irish heritage, and he responded, "Well, my father is all Irish, and I'm half Irish. I've seen the family tree. I actually had to do a family tree when I was younger. I don't know, I wish I had a better answer."

Tom Sr. told Irish America that his great-grandfather and great-grandmother were both immigrants from Ireland during the Potato Famine. His great-grandfather was from County Cavan, and his great-grandmother was from County Cork.

According to the Irish Post, John and Bridget Brady left Ireland during the famine of the 1840s, settling in Boston before moving to San Fransisco.

Tom Brady was not the first great athlete in the Brady clan. The Irish Post reported that Pete "Steady Pete" Meegan was a star pitcher for the Pittsburgh Alleghenys – later the Pirates – in the late 19th century.

The Post said Brady has been to Ireland with his father "and visited some of the places where my family came from." Brady has also golfed in Ireland.

The Post reported Patriots owner Bob Kraft claims Brady speaks Gaelic and was heard by Kraft "talking Gaelic" with former Offensive Coordinator Bill O'Brien.