NFL legend and Birmingham City minority owner Tom Brady has made headlines once again, but this time far from the gridiron. The former quarterback revealed that Junie, his current dog, is a genetic clone of Lua, the family pet who passed away in 2023. The procedure was carried out by Colossal Biosciences, a Dallas-based biotech firm in which Brady is also an investor.

A “Second Chance” Made Possible by Science

The news was shared by Colossal, who also announced the acquisition of Viagen Pets & Equine, a company specializing in pet cloning. Both firms will now combine expertise and technology to expand cloning services for domestic animals as well as conservation-focused projects.

Brady shared how the process began when Colossal collected a blood sample from Lua before her death — enough to make replication possible:

“I love my animals, they mean everything to my family. Thanks to that small sample, we now have Junie, who is a clone of Lua.”

The seven-time Super Bowl champion said this technology offered his family a “second chance,” while also highlighting its potential to help protect endangered species and comfort families grieving the loss of their pets.

Technology Advancing, Controversy Growing

Pet cloning has long been a point of debate in pop culture, due to ethical concerns about reproducing life artificially. However, Viagen has worked with high-profile clients for years and uses technology licensed from the Roslin Institute — the creators of the iconic cloned sheep Dolly.

Colossal, founded in 2021, has gained global attention with ambitious “de-extinction” plans, including attempts to revive the woolly mammoth and the dodo. The company even claims to have cloned three dire wolf pups recently.

Brady’s Hectic Life After Football

Since retiring in 2023, Tom Brady has kept a full schedule — from broadcasting work to his growing involvement in soccer. In addition to his stake in Birmingham City, he is also part-owner of the Las Vegas Raiders. Brady’s presence around the English club has already made an impact: striker Marvin Ducksch revealed that speaking directly with the “GOAT” convinced him to sign.

On the pitch, Birmingham City currently sit ninth in the Championship table, ahead of Wrexham, the club owned by Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The two sides battled to a 1-1 draw earlier in the season, adding fuel to the growing spotlight on both projects.