Tayla Broad hails retiring Richmond husband and Perth-raised Nathan Broad’s career in touching tribute
The wife of a Perth-raised footy player has shared some of the harder moments from his career following his retirement announcement.
Tayla Broad has offered a touching tribute to her husband Nathan Broad after the Richmond defender’s retirement announcement earlier this week, detailing the hidden struggles of life as an AFL player.
On Tuesday, the 33-year-old Tiger — and triple premiership player — announced he would hang up his boots following his side’s round 23 game against St Kilda.
The Perth-raised couple met well before Nathan’s AFL career took off, with Tayla hailing her husband’s resilience through setbacks and injury in a celebratory Instagram post that shed light on “what they don’t see”.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“What a journey. I’ve always been proud of the footballer you’ve become, but I’ve been even prouder of the man you’ve remained throughout it all,” she began.“From the outside, AFL looks glamorous. People see the games, the wins and the celebrations. What they don’t see are the moments behind closed doors. Fighting for a spot in the team each week, rolling out of bed barely able to walk at times only to head straight to training, the surgeries, the injuries, the sacrifices, and the endless hours spent making your body stronger and yourself better.
“Not just as a footballer, but as a teammate, a leader at the club and, most importantly, as a person.”
The pair welcomed daughter Samara in August 2023, with another child on the way.
Tayla said her husband never let his career get in the way of his primary job as a parent.
“No matter how tired you were, mentally or physically, you never said no when Samara asked you to get on the floor and pretend to be a tiger, build cubbies or dance to Frozen for the 100th time,” she continued.
“I think that’s the greatest testament to who you are, both on and off the field. No matter how your day went, you always saw the glass half full and somehow found a way to fill everyone else’s cup too.”
The former Love Island Australia contestant and podcaster thanked Richmond for the friendships and memories the couple have made.
She shared recent images captured during Nathan’s experiences at the top level — including celebrations after Richmond home games, playing State of Origin footy in their hometown earlier this year, and the couple’s awards ceremony appearances.
The outgoing Tiger led a chorus of comments from fans and friends in response to his wife’s tribute.
“Love you so much ! Thanks for being on the ride with me ❤️❤️,” Nathan wrote.
“One of the very best 🥹🫶🏼 congratulations guys !! What a career xx,” Abbey Holmes added.
Emma Hawkins, wife of retired Geelong forward Tom, said: “Congratulations guys! What a journey. The best is yet to come! Get excited 😛 ❤️”.
Broad was recruited to Richmond as a mature-age recruit, taken at pick 67 in the 2015 national draft from the WAFL’s Swan Districts.
Earlier this year, he and Tayla had shared progress from their home renovations in Perth’s northern coastal suburb of Trigg, with the couple planning to return to WA after his AFL commitments.
Originally published on PerthNow
