Tom Brady buys stake in Birmingham City F.C.: What to know about NFL star's investment in EFL Championship team

Tom Brady is arguably the biggest American football star of all time. Now, he will look to make his mark across the pond in the world of English football.

Brady revealed Thursday he has become a minority owner of Birmingham City F.C., a soccer team that currently plays in the EFL Championship — one level below the Premier League.

"Birmingham City is an iconic club with so much history and passion and to be part of the Blues is a real honour for me," Brady said in a statement announcing the partnership. "BCFC is built on teamwork and determination and I'm excited to work alongside the board, management and players to make our Second City club second to none."

"I've been part of some amazing teams in my day," he added, "and I'm looking forward to applying my perspective to create that same success here in Birmingham."

Brady isn't the first athlete to make the jump from playing in the NFL to acquiring an ownership stake in an English soccer team, but many will still wonder the motivating factors behind his investment.

Tom Brady's full career timeline, from 1999 draft pick to the GOAT

Here's what to know about Brady's minority ownership stake in Birmingham City:

In the mind of Birmingham City's ownership group, having Brady join the team is "a statement of intent."

"We are setting the bar at world class," the club's chairman of the board, Tom Wagner, said in a statement. "Tom is both investing and committing his time and extensive expertise. As Chair of the Advisory Board Tom will have a direct impact on the Club."

But specifically, the team appears interested in having Brady work directly with two aspects of the club: marketing and wellness.

According to the team, Brady will "work alongside the sports science department to advise