Tom Brady made New England Patriots history by helping them win the Super Bowl six times during two decades with the team.
The Patriots made sure his induction into the team’s Hall of Fame was as memorable as his career.
Dozens of Brady’s former teammates and coaches joined thousands of fans at a ceremony attended by several celebrities including Jay-Z and Bon Jovi on Wednesday. Brady became 35e player to be inducted into the team’s hall of fame.
“It’s hard to find the words to express how much this evening means to my family and me,” Brady said.
Before Brady spoke, owner Robert Kraft brought the former quarterback to tears by announcing that no other member of the Patriots would wear No. 12.
“No. 12 is officially retired,” Kraft said.
Kraft also announced that a statue of Brady will be erected outside the Patriots Hall of Fame later this year.
On a night that felt like a Patriots family reunion, the most special moment was when Brady was reunited with his former coach Bill Belichick. The latter received a warm ovation. Belichick has decided to leave the Patriots at the end of the 2023 season.
PHOTO STEVEN SENNE, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and Tom Brady
“It was an incredible honor for me to draft Tom and coach him for 20 years,” Belichick told the crowd. Everything he brought to the team, it’s an honor for me to be involved with that. »
Brady also paid tribute to Belichick during his speech, noting that he was not the only factor in the team’s success.
It was not me. It wasn’t you. It was us. One thing is clear, there is no one else I would want to play for as much.
Tom Brady on Bill Belichick
Brady was selected 199th overall in the 2000 draft and inherited the starting job during his second season with the Patriots, when Drew Bledsoe was injured. Brady guided the Patriots to the Super Bowl title that season and five more campaigns over the next two decades.
In front of the crowd, Brady mentioned that his name will always be associated with the Patriots.
“I think we’re still part of this family that’s trying to love each other,” Brady said. We are adopted residents of New England. »