Tom Brady had the most illustrious career any football player could dream off. Seven Super Bowl rings and countless records later, he is now officially retired. However, his path to greatness has not gone unnoticed as the New England Patriots decided to immortalize him. When owner Robert Kraft announced those plans, it brought tears to Brady’s eyes.
A sold-out Gillette Stadium was listening to owner Robert Kraft during the Hall of Fame night as he said:
There's only one iconic number that will always represent Tom Brady. And tonight, I promise that it will never be worn again. As the number 12 is now officially retired.Robert Kraft during Tom Brady’s Patriots HOF induction
The camera panned to Tom Brady, who smiled for a split second and then his eyes started tearing up. For Brady, it was surely special as one of the greatest honors a player can achieve in their life.
The event was to induct Tom Brady into the New England Patriots Hall of Fame after his official retirement last year. However, it seems the jersey retirement caught him by surprise, leading him to tear up. But that was not all Robert Kraft had in store.
For the first time in franchise history, it was announced that a statue would be made to honor Tom Brady’s Hall of Fame career. The 12-foot statue of the 7-time Super Bowl winner is already in the works. The Patriots will unveil it during the upcoming NFL season.
Tom Brady reasserts he is a Patriot
After all this, donning his Hall of Fame red jacket, Tom Brady was called to the podium to say a few words to the 60,000 plus fans gathered. After thanking the fans, coach Bill Belichick, Robert Kraft and his family, the still teary-eyed Brady ended the note with a shaking voice:
I am Tom Brady. And I am a Patriot. Thank You.Tom Brady said
This is after saying that he was back home. It says a lot for a player who left the Patriots to win another Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
However, it cannot take away the fact that he was one of the main reasons why the New England Patriots won six Super Bowls. For a player drafted 199th, that would only be a dream. However, Brady took the reins of the franchise and made them the one of the two most winningest teams in the NFL.
Now the New England Patriots have well and truly immortalized Tom Brady. Something the greatest to ever play the sport rightfully deserved.
In case you missed:
ncG1vNJzZmiemafAtb%2FPqKmtsl6YvK571pqrnKBdqbyuecGrmJ2xXamyor7SZqypZZ%2BjerTAwKCcZpmWqbKzec%2Baq6uhn6nAbr7EraCrnV2dtrR5yJymp6GTYremvtKesGg%3D