The New England Patriots have inducted seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady into the franchise’s Hall of Fame. He has become the 35th player enshrined in the Patriots’ hall.
The 46-year-old footballer was joined by over 100 of his former teammates, coaches, and other notable Patriots figures, including former six-time Super Bowl champion head coach Bill Belichick and Patriots chairman and CEO Robert Kraft.
“Patriot Nation, it feels good to be home,” Mr. Brady said in his opening speech. “This evening marks a monumental moment in my life. It’s a celebration of 20 years here in New England playing for the Patriots, playing for you—the greatest fans in the NFL. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude and a deep sense of honor.”
“It was a tremendous honor for me to draft Tom and coach Tom for 20 years,” Mr. Belichick told the large crowd, which ended in a prolonged applause. “Everything he brought to the team, it was really an honor for me to be involved with that.”
During his speech, Mr. Brady also weighed in on the never-ending debate about whether he or Mr. Belichick was most responsible for the Patriots’ success during their time together.
“It wasn’t me. It wasn’t you. It was us. Our hard work, our love of the game, and the way we worked for one another—that’s what it was all about. Let me make something crystal clear: There is no coach in the world I would rather play for than Bill Belichick,” he said.
Another emotional moment of recollection was when Mr. Brady was joined by some of his top playmakers—Rob Gronkowski, Randy Moss, Julian Edelman, and Wes Welker.
Mr. Moss was moved to tears when the crowd saluted him with a roaring standing ovation. He recalled that when he arrived in New England in 2007, he knew he had to be close to Mr. Brady.
Patriots Announce Brady Statue
Moments before Mr. Kraft put Mr. Brady’s red Patriots Hall of Fame induction jacket on him, he announced that a 12-foot bronze statue of the footballer would be unveiled during the 2024 season and placed outside the Patriots’ Hall of Fame and Pro Shop, something the franchise has never done before.
He also revealed that Mr. Brady’s No. 12 would never again be worn by any other Patriots player.
“The No. 12 is now officially retired,” Mr. Kraft said.
Mr. Brady has had one of the most successful careers of any football player. He holds the distinction as the quarterback with the most Super Bowl victories, winning the league championship game six times for the New England Patriots and a seventh time in his first season playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
He also won the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player award five times. He played in three other Super Bowl games throughout his 23-season career.
Among a few of his other career highlights include the NFL’s record for most regular-season quarterback wins (251), most career passing yards (89,214 yards, which is the equivalent of about 50.7 miles).
