There was a lot at stake for the New England Patriots on Sunday night. Not only were they facing off against defending NFC champs, the Philadelphia Eagles, but they had to do so in front of the great Tom Brady. The seven-time Super Bowl champ was in attendance for his former team’s Week 1 matchup as the Pats used the occasion to honor Brady for everything he did for the franchise throughout his 20-year career in New England.
Tom Brady Inducted into New England Patriots’ Hall of Fame
Pats fans have marked their calendars for June 12 ,2024. This is the date the team intends to induct Brady to the Patriots Hall of Fame after team owner Robert Kraft announced on Sunday that he has decided to waive the four-year wait period for HOF elibiligity. The billionaire made his announcement in a heartfelt speech at halftime:
“When Tom Brady announced his retirement after 23 NFL seasons, there was only one place I wanted him to be on opening day – right here at Gillette Stadium, with 65,000 of his closest friends,” Kraft said at halftime, via Tyler Sullivan of CBS. “Patriots fans didn’t get an opportunity to appropriately thank Tom when he left. I wanted to give them that opportunity. Unfortunately, a halftime ceremony just doesn’t provide enough time to honor Tommy the way he deserves.”
.@TomBrady halftime ceremony from @GilletteStadium.#PHIvsNE on @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/DcX6ZnznEY
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 10, 2023
Obviously, nobody’s complaining about Kraft and the organization deciding to bend the rules on this particular occasion. After all, if there’s anyone who deserves this unprecedented honor, it has to be Tom Brady.
Tom Brady Reacts to Ultimate Honor from New England Patriots
It was an emotional day for Brady. The 15-time Pro Bowler was hyped from the get-go as he pumped up the crowd during his introduction:
LET'S 🤬 GOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!@TomBrady | #ForeverNE pic.twitter.com/ORhGA4p4lR
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 10, 2023
In his speech, the GOAT had nothing but fond memories about his time with the Pats. He ended his message with a strong affirmation of his loyalty to the organization:
“There’s nothing significant in life that can be accomplished as an individual,” Brady said. “It”s about the team. .. I think we proved to America what teamwork is all about.”
“… One thing I can be sure of, and that will never change, is that I am a Patriot for life.”
After the halftime festivities, Brady was asked to share his thought on this special occasion. The 46-year-old delivered an honest response as expressed his gratitude:
“It means a lot,” Brady told CBS sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson following the ceremony. “I had 20 amazing years here and then had three really fun years in Tampa, getting a lot of perspective and there’s no better place for me to be on opening day in the NFL than to be here with these fans. So many people came to support it. I’m very blessed.”
Unfortunately for the Pats, they were unable to carve out a win n Tom Brady’s special day. The Eagles spoiled the evening by securing a 25-20 victory in a hard-fought battle.
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