I think you're underestimating how popular Tom Brady is in the World. Since soccer, tennis, golf, basketball, and even cricket are played across the globe; most of the top 10 to 20 athletes are in those sports. It's pretty amazing that Tom is in the top 20 world athletes given that American football is basically only played in the States. I'm sure it didn't hurt his popularity being married to a Brazilian super model. Anyone that's top 20 at anything in a World of 7+ billion has had an impact on culture and society.