The Great Super Bowl Heist: Tom Brady’s Stolen Jersey and the FBI Investigation
Tom Brady, one of the most celebrated quarterbacks in NFL history, found himself at the center of a shocking crime after one of the most iconic moments of his career. Following the New England Patriots’ historic comeback victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl 51, Brady’s game-worn jersey was stolen from the locker room. The jersey, valued at $500,000, was taken from a bag Brady had left in the locker room after the game. A viral video captured Brady’s confusion and frustration as he realized his jersey was missing. "Hey, did someone take my jersey? I put it in my bag. I absolutely 100 percent put it in my bag," he said, searching his locker in vain. The theft of the jersey became a major news story, and it wasn’t long before the FBI stepped in to investigate.
The FBI’s investigation led them to an unexpected suspect: Martin Ortega, a Mexican journalist who had been credentialed to cover the Super Bowl. Ortega, who worked for the Mexican media company Diario La Prensa, was identified through footage from Fox Sports that showed him entering the Patriots’ locker room. The video captured Ortega, with his back to the camera, reaching into Brady’s bag and stuffing the jersey into a plastic bag before leaving. The authorities reviewed over 20,000 media credentials from Super Bowl 51, and Ortega emerged as the prime suspect. Further investigation revealed that this was not the first time Ortega had stolen a high-profile item. He had also taken Brady’s Super Bowl 49 jersey, as well as a Denver Broncos helmet belonging to Super Bowl 50 MVP Von Miller.
The recovery of the stolen items brought closure to the case, but the story took an interesting turn when it was revealed that Ortega had taken a selfie with Brady just minutes before stealing the jersey. This audacious act added a layer of irony to the situation, as Ortega had been in close proximity to Brady before committing the crime. An agreement was later reached in which the stolen items were returned to their rightful owners, and in exchange, the victims agreed not to press charges against Ortega. The Super Bowl 51 jersey, which was recovered by the FBI, was valued at $500,000, a figure that sports auctioneer Ken Goldin estimated it could have fetched at auction. For Brady, the incident served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of fame and the lengths to which some individuals will go to acquire a piece of history.
Tom Brady’s Post-Football Career: A New Chapter at Fox Sports
After retiring from football, Tom Brady embarked on a new chapter in his career as a broadcaster. In 2024, Brady joined Fox Sports as the network’s top NFL analyst, signing a 10-year, $375 million contract. His arrival sent shockwaves through the sports media landscape, as it marked one of the most lucrative deals in sports broadcasting history. Brady’s transition to broadcasting was highly anticipated, given his charismatic personality and unparalleled knowledge of the game. His debut season as a game analyst was met with mixed reviews, but Brady quickly found his footing, bringing his signature calm and confidence to the broadcast booth.
Brady’s arrival at Fox also triggered a domino effect within the network’s announcer lineup. With Brady taking the top spot alongside play-by-play announcer Kevin Burkhardt, other announcers were shifted down the hierarchy. Greg Olsen, who had previously worked with Burkhardt, moved to the No. 2 team, pairing up with Joe Davis. The reshuffling continued throughout the network, with new pairings announced for the 2024 season. These included Adam Amin and Mark Sanchez, Kenny Albert and Jon Vilma, Kevin Kugler and Daryl Johnston, and Chris Myers and Mark Schlereth. The changes reflected Fox’s commitment to creating fresh and dynamic broadcast teams, with Brady at the center of the network’s revitalized lineup.
Fast forward to 2025, Brady had officially been out of football for two years and had just completed his first season as a full-time analyst for Fox. His performance during Super Bowl 59 earned him praise, and in a post-game interview with Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts, Brady references his own history of stolen jerseys. "What I want you to feel good about is, don’t let that jersey out of your sight," Brady advised Hurts. "I had a few of them stolen over the years, so keep track of that. It’s going to be memorable down the road." Brady’s words served as a lighthearted reminder of the importance of safeguarding cherished mementos, especially in the high-stakes world of professional sports.
The Legacy of Tom Brady: On and Off the Field
Tom Brady’s legacy is one of unparalleled success and enduring relevance. With seven Super Bowl rings and four Super Bowl MVP awards, he cemented his status as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. Yet, his impact extends far beyond the football field. Brady’s transition to broadcasting has opened new doors for him, allowing him to share his insights and experiences with a new generation of football fans. His ability to connect with audiences, whether through his play on the field or his commentary in the booth, has solidified his place as a beloved figure in American sports culture.
The story of Brady’s stolen jersey, while unfortunate, has become a fascinating footnote in his career. It highlights the lengths to which fans and enthusiasts will go to own a piece of history, as well as the importance of securing valuable memorabilia. For Brady, the incident served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of fame, but it also underscored the enduring appeal of the NFL and its brightest stars. As he continues to navigate his post-playing career, Brady remains a central figure in the world of sports, inspiring fans and aspiring athletes alike with his dedication, resilience, and passion for the game.
In the end, Tom Brady’s journey from the football field to the broadcast booth is a testament to his adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit. Whether he’s leading his team to victory or offering insights from the sidelines, Brady continues to redefine what it means to be a legend in the world of sports. His story is one of triumph, resilience, and the enduring power of hard work and determination.
The FBI’s Role in Recovering the Stolen Jersey
The FBI played a pivotal role in solving the mystery of Tom Brady’s stolen Super Bowl jersey. The agency’s investigation was meticulous and thorough, involving the review of thousands of media credentials and hours of surveillance footage. The key piece of evidence came from Fox Sports, which provided footage showing Ortega entering the locker room and stealing the jersey. This video, combined with Ortega’s suspicious behavior, led authorities to identify him as the prime suspect. The recovery of the stolen items not only brought closure to Brady and the other victims but also highlighted the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and media organizations in solving high-profile crimes.
The case also raised questions about security measures at major sporting events. While the Super Bowl is one of the most secure events in the world, the theft of Brady’s jersey exposed vulnerabilities in the system. The incident served as a wake-up call for organizers to tighten security protocols and ensure that such crimes do not happen in the future. For Brady, the experience was a reminder of the risks associated with fame, but it also demonstrated the effectiveness of law enforcement in protecting the interests of high-profile individuals.
Conclusion
Tom Brady’s story is one of triumph, both on and off the field. From his historic Super Bowl victories to his transition into broadcasting, Brady has consistently defied expectations and reinvented himself. The theft of his Super Bowl jersey, while a setback, ultimately became a memorable chapter in his career, showcasing his resilience and the lengths to which law enforcement will go to solve such crimes. As Brady continues to navigate his post-football career, his legacy as one of the greatest athletes of all time remains unchallenged. His journey serves as a testament to the enduring power of hard work, determination, and adapting to life’s challenges.