Former NFL quarterback Tom Brady has revealed that his current dog is a clone of the family’s late pet — a poignant and controversial moment that blends emotional loss with the cutting edge of biotechnology.
A Heartfelt Tribute
Brady’s late dog, Lua, a pit-bull mix beloved by Brady, his ex-wife Gisele Bündchen, and their family, died in December 2023. Years earlier, biological material from Lua had been preserved through a simple blood draw done in collaboration with Colossal Biosciences, a Texas-based biotech firm.
Brady announced that the current dog, named Junie, is the result of the cloning process based on Lua’s preserved sample.
Science Meets Sentiment
Colossal Biosciences, which counts Brady among its investors, facilitated the cloning process. The company is known not only for its pet-cloning services but also its ambitious “de-extinction” efforts. The process used to create Junie involved retrieving DNA from Lua’s preserved blood sample, producing an embryo, and gestating the clone in a surrogate dog.
While the technology remains rare and expensive, Brady’s decision has renewed public debate around the ethics of pet cloning — from concerns over animal welfare to questions of identity and second chances.
The Public Reaction
The news has sparked varied responses: fans expressed deep empathy for Brady’s loss and his desire to honor Lua, while others questioned the implications of cloning pets. Some critics cited the emotional and financial complexity of the process and the broader implications for how humans relate to animals and loss.
Brady’s announcement also highlights how celebrities can blur the lines between private life and public spectacle. With the technology itself at the frontier of science, the story became as much about Brady’s personal journey as it is about the evolving relationship between humans, pets, and biotech.
What It Means
Brady’s decision may inspire pet owners interested in cloning, but experts caution that the clone may share DNA with the original dog — yet still differ in personality, experiences, and environment. The financial cost and ethical burdens mean cloning remains a niche, premium option. His story may, however, help normalize the conversation around pet cloning and push regulatory and ethical discussions further.
As Junie settles in with Brady’s family, the story serves as a unique intersection of grief, love, and scientific possibility — reminding us that even in the world of celebrity, the desire to hold on to a beloved companion remains universal.
Sources:
https://people.com/tom-brady-cloned-his-dog-lua-11842661
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/nov/04/tom-brady-dog-clone-colossal-biotech-viagen
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