Tom Brady’s “beloved” dog Lua passed away in 2023, and the dog’s blood was used to create a clone.
On Tuesday, the retired NFL player revealed the origins of his new dog, Junie, in a joint statement with Colossal Biosciences, which helped clone Lua.
According to People, the former quarterback, who is also an investor in the company, spoke passionately about the “second chance” his family has with Junee.
“I love animals. They are important to me and my family,” said the 48-year-old former athlete. “A few years ago, I worked with Colossal to take advantage of their non-invasive cloning technology by performing a simple blood draw on my family’s senior dog before he passed away.”
Brady’s revelations come after Colossal Biosciences, the company that twice cloned Barbra Streisand’s dead dog Samantha and Paris Hilton’s missing dog Diamond Baby, acquired Viergen Pets & Equine.
“(I’m) excited about how Colossal and Viagen’s technology together can help both families who have lost beloved pets while saving endangered species,” the former New England Patriots player concluded.
Brady and ex-wife Gisele Bündchen adopted Lua during their time together.
The Victoria’s Secret Angel, 45, shared the news of her pit bull mix’s death with her Instagram followers in an emotional tribute in December 2023.
“Our little Lulu, our guardian angel, has departed for heaven,” the model wrote at the time. “She will live forever in our hearts. We miss her so much already! #unconditionallove RIPLua 💔”
Brady wrote, “We love you Lua, rest in peace.”
In another Instagram Story post, the Fox Sports commentator added that the “sweetest and cutest” dog “will forever remain in[their]hearts.”
He and Bündchen both shared sweet photos of Lua with their two children, Benjamin, 15, and Vivian, 12.
Brady is also the father of 18-year-old son Jack, whom he welcomed with ex Bridget Moynahan early in his romance with Bundchen.
Bundchen made headlines in February when she gave birth to a son with boyfriend Joaquin Valente.
Shortly after Bundchen split from Brady in 2022, she sparked romance rumors with jiu-jitsu trainer Valente, and their relationship went public the following year.
