‘I Was So Scared!’ – Birmingham Star Who Fought Hooligans Reveals Fear of Tom Brady

Bright Osayi-Samuel Opens Up About First Zoom Meeting with NFL Legend Turned Football Owner

Bright Osayi-Samuel has never shied away from confrontation on the pitch — whether it’s dealing with Turkish Super Lig hooligans or battling fierce opponents in pressure-cooker derbies. But the Birmingham City star has now revealed the one moment that truly shook him: a virtual face-to-face with NFL icon and Birmingham co-owner Tom Brady.

What Happened? From Turkey’s Chaos to England’s Calm — But Then Came Brady

After a turbulent but character-defining spell in Turkey with Fenerbahçe, Osayi-Samuel made the move to Birmingham City this summer as part of the club’s continued rebuild under American ownership. Tom Brady, a seven-time Super Bowl champion and arguably the greatest quarterback in NFL history, is part of that ambitious project, and it was through this connection that Osayi-Samuel found himself nervously dialing into a Zoom call with the sports legend.

What should have been a simple introductory video chat turned into a nerve-wracking experience for the 26-year-old.

“I was so scared,” Osayi-Samuel admitted, recalling the surreal moment. “Just seeing him pop up on my screen — I didn’t know whether to say hello or just freeze!”

Fenerbahce v Besiktas – Turkish Super League

The Bigger Picture: Tom Brady’s Growing Influence at Birmingham City

Since joining the ownership group of Birmingham City, Brady has brought not just star power but also a winning mentality to a club that once languished in the lower echelons of the English Football League. Under the guidance of Brady, along with majority owner Tom Wagner, Birmingham have rapidly turned their fortunes around.

After a devastating relegation to League One, the Blues responded emphatically — breaking records, achieving 111 points in a single season, and storming back into the Championship. Now, the club is aiming even higher.

And Osayi-Samuel has bought into the dream.

“He [Brady] didn’t beat around the bush,” Osayi-Samuel explained. “He said, ‘If you want to be at a club that’s serious about reaching the Premier League, this is it.’ And I couldn’t argue with that. The ambition is real here.”

From Trabzonspor Mayhem to Zoom Screen Shyness

It’s ironic, perhaps, that a player who once physically defended himself against pitch-invading hooligans during a match between Fenerbahçe and Trabzonspor would later be left rattled by a Zoom conversation. In March of this year, Osayi-Samuel made headlines after videos surfaced of him punching a fan who had stormed the pitch — an incident that showcased his composure and courage under fire.

But talking to Tom Brady? That was another ball game.

“I was thinking about taking a screenshot,” he said with a laugh, “just for proof to show my mates later. But I chickened out. I was scared he might see the screenshot notification or something. So I just let it go.”

Once the call ended, Osayi-Samuel did the next best thing. “I rang all my boys straight after and said, ‘I’ve just been on a video call with Tom Brady!’ They didn’t believe me. I was gutted I had no evidence.”

Why Osayi-Samuel Chose Birmingham Over Other Offers

Despite receiving interest from several other clubs in Europe and the Championship, the Nigerian international saw something different in Birmingham City’s vision.

“This is a club with momentum,” he said. “They’ve invested in good players, they’ve got solid management, and the belief around the place is huge. Everyone’s talking about promotion — not in a delusional way, but with genuine confidence.”

Birmingham’s recruitment this summer has indeed been ambitious. From bringing in experienced Championship performers to adding technical quality across the squad, the Blues have put their money and their faith into building a promotion-ready side.

For Osayi-Samuel, that backing — both on the pitch and in the boardroom — made all the difference.

“You look around and you see the people involved in this club — football people, smart business minds, and someone like Tom Brady who knows what it takes to win,” he added. “That’s inspiring. You want to be part of that.”

What’s Next? Premier League Dreams Begin Now

Tom Brady

With the new Championship season kicking off this weekend, Osayi-Samuel could make his competitive debut in what promises to be a thrilling fixture against newly relegated Ipswich Town. For a player who’s gone through so many ups and downs over the last few years, from dealing with personal pressures to navigating volatile match environments abroad, this next chapter feels like a fresh start.

“I’m focused, I’m motivated, and I want to give everything for this club,” he said. “I’ve been through a lot, but it’s all shaped me into who I am today.”

And if everything goes to plan, the former QPR and Fenerbahçe man might just be shaking Brady’s hand again — this time at St Andrew’s, after helping lead Birmingham back to the Premier League.

Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Zoom Call

Osayi-Samuel’s story is one of resilience, humility, and unexpected moments. From the chaos of Turkish football to the calm (and slightly awkward) charm of a Zoom call with Tom Brady, he’s emerged stronger and ready for the next challenge.

He may have been scared in that moment, but if his past is anything to go by, Bright Osayi-Samuel has never backed down for long.

And Birmingham fans? They’ll be hoping that fear quickly turns into fire — the kind that helps power a promotion push all the way to the Premier League.