Why Does Tom Brady Look Different? Close-up on His Face Fuels Weight Loss and Surgery Talk
Tom Brady's face has changed so much over the years NFL fans wonder if the changes are natural or surgical.
Published Feb. 10 2025, 12:04 p.m. ET
It’s not unusual for celebrities to spark conversations about their changing looks. In some cases, the conversations grow legs and walk around as rumors spread like wildfire. Turns out, that’s exactly what has happened to Tom Brady over the years. Chatter regarding what happened to his face reached a new height after the cameras zoomed in on him during the 2025 Super Bowl broadcast. Almost instantly, fans flooded social media with questions. Many asked: Why does Tom Brady look different?
For years, NFL fans have gossiped about Tom’s face speculating everything from weight loss to plastic surgery. Some argue the changes to his face are just a natural part of aging. Others, however, believe there’s more to the story. So, what is really behind his evolving appearance?
Why does Tom Brady look different?
Tom has always been serious about his health. After retiring from the NFL, he admitted that he lost about 10 pounds. According to Hello! Magazine, Tom explained on an episode of his Let’s Go! podcast that stepping away from the stress of football helped him slim down.
“I'm actually very fit right now,” he said, adding that he’s been keeping up with his famously strict diet and wellness routine.
Weight loss, however, isn’t the only reason his face looks different. As people age, their facial structure naturally changes, sometimes making features appear sharper or more defined. In Tom’s case, his already angular jawline has become even more pronounced, leading some to believe he’s had cosmetic work done.
Did Tom have plastic surgery?
While Tom has never admitted to getting plastic surgery, that hasn’t stopped the rumors. Social media is filled with speculation about possible Botox, fillers, or even fat removal. According to an analysis posted by plastic surgeon Dr. Jonny Betteridge on Instagram, there are at least three signs confirming Tom has had some work done, including the scars near his ears.
Dr. Ryan Kunkel, a board-certified plastic surgeon, noted it was an “interesting analysis.” He, however, disagreed and proceeded to explain why.
He penned in the comments: “If he had a facelift and the incisions necessary for a facelift, his sideburns would be posteriorly transposed. Additionally, I disagree that his hairline shows recession in the first photo, but would not be surprised if he had transplants or started taking supplements.”
Other plastic surgeons chimed in to note that his appearance could suggest minor cosmetic tweaks. There, however, was no concrete proof.
Fans, with no educational background in cosmetic surgery, have also weighed in. Some are convinced his smooth skin and sculpted jawline can’t be explained by diet and aging alone. On Reddit, many agreed that Tom was aging like a fine wine.
They, however, were not buying that his evolving appearance was just the result of clean eating. Others, however, believed the changes were small enough that they could just be the result of good skincare, weight loss, and genetics. Ultimately, fans are pretty divided on this debate.
So, why does Tom look so different? The answer is likely a mix of aging, weight loss, and a strict wellness routine — not necessarily plastic surgery. While speculation will always follow celebrities, Tom hasn’t addressed the rumors, leaving fans to draw their own conclusions.