Tom Brady bought into Birmingham City when Premier League football felt like a distant dream. Now the Blues are top of the Championship, and their seven-time Super Bowl champion investor has suddenly walked away before the potential payoff.

Birmingham announced Monday that Brady has given up his three percent minority ownership stake, ending a three-year association during a remarkable club resurgence. The lead FOX NFL analyst also holds a minority stake in the Las Vegas Raiders and Aces.

The departure comes as Chris Davies' side leads England's second tier on goal difference and dreams of promotion to the Premier League. The Blues have 29 points from 15 games, level with Middlesbrough and Stoke City, but their superior goal difference puts them at the top of the table.

After being relegated to League One in Brady's first season, Birmingham will now chase a second promotion in three seasons without their most recognizable celebrity shareholder.

Birmingham City confirmed Brady's departure in a short statement on Monday while thanking the former New England Patriots quarterback for his "involvement with and unwavering support" over three years.

"Birmingham City Football Club expresses its sincere gratitude to Tom Brady for his involvement with and unwavering support for the Club over the last three years," they wrote.

"It was truly amazing to have someone with Tom’s experience and passion associated with the Club, and the Club looks forward to building on that foundation from the training ground to the Birmingham community."

The club and Brady gave no explanation for the sudden departure on their social media channels. His exit came 11 hours after Birmingham City announced their first interview with newly appointed Director of Football John Murtough, who arrived last month.