In front of 65,000 adoring fans, the Patriots celebrate Tom Brady together with his children Jack, Benjamin, and Vivian as they retire No. 12.Brady struck a recently constructed bell before the game began by exiting a lighthouse above the recently refurbished Gillette Stadium.
Upon observing his number suspended from the scoreboard, Brady addressed the New England supporters.
Brady entered the field before to the induction and removed his jacket, exposing his jersey underneath. Then, as he frequently did at Gillette, he rushed down the sideline to Jay-Z’s “Public Service Announcement” before pumping his fist and yelling, “Let’s f***ing go.”
At the ceremony, club owner Robert Kraft declared that he would waive the waiting period needed to be elected into the Patriots Hall of Fame. He also disclosed that Brady’s induction date would be June 12, 2024 (or 6/12/24, representing the six titles he won and the twelve numbers he wore).
In a speech, Brady stated, “All of our lives take us on different journeys, they take us to different places, and they bring different people into our lives.”
“However, there is one thing I know for sure and it will never change: I will always be a Patriot.”
Following the event, Brady talked about his experience watching opening day from the stands with Tracy Wolfson of CBS Sports.
He remarked, “It’s not as fun as playing.” “I’m so glad to move on to other things and put that chapter of my life to rest.”
“I had 20 amazing years here, then had three really fun years in Tampa—I gained a lot of perspective,” he added in a statement to Wolfson. Being here with these fans on NFL opening day is the best spot for me to be… I’m pretty fortunate.
“I want to express my gratitude to all of my fans who aren’t present here, especially those in New England who helped us out. I truly appreciate their love and support.”
