After playing quarterback for 20 seasons in New England (2000-2019), Tom Brady was inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame, and had his #12 jersey retired by the organization. The seven-time Super Bowl winner (six with Patriots) spoke in front of a sold out crowd at Gillette Stadium.
60,000 people were in attendance, including many teammates, coaches, family, and friends who cheered Brady on when he took the stage. Undoubtedly, all were able to witness a special moment, as Brady's speech may be remembered for a long time.
"It is the honor of my life to take my place among these other Patriot Hall of Famers. And to be official enshrined into the winning legacy of this amazing organization," Brady said. "You humble me. You make me proud. And I am eternally grateful. I am Tom Brady. And I am a Patriot."
The ending of Brady's speech was enough to give goosebumps, as he gave an inspirational talk about the correlation between life and football.
Tom Brady gave one of the best football speeches ever last night pic.twitter.com/jzF5W1Eqju
— Bussin' With The Boys (@BussinWTB) June 13, 2024
Brady's message of discipline, determination, and teamwork embodies what it means to be both a football player and a New England Patriot.
"We led by example. Nothing in life of significance is ever accomplished alone. That's the Patriot way. Here in New England, we were the first team ever to take the field in the Super Bowl, not as individuals but as a single unit. That's us! We did that. And we were the best in the world. And history will never forget that."
Brady was the 35th person to be inducted into the Patriots HOF, and was the eighth to have his jersey retired. That is to say, there may never be anyone that can be considered more of a Patriot than #12, so owner Robert Kraft announced a 12-foot statue will also be put up outside the stadium ahead of the 2024 NFL season.
"We wanted the greatest to be the first to receive even a greater honor," Kraft said. "So last year we commissioned a local sculptor to create a larger-than-life bronze statue, to perpetuate the legendary legacy of this once-in-a-lifetime player."
Kraft went on to call Brady the GOAT, "To symbolize his position, not as the greatest in franchise history, but the greatest in all of NFL history."
Notably, Brady was drafted in the sixth round with the 199th selection, yet he went on to have one of the most accomplished careers for any football player ever. Brady completed 7,753 passes for over 89,214 yards (NFL record), to go along with 649 touchdowns, which is also the most in NFL history.
Brady was the leader of one of the greatest dynasties; to emphasize, throughout his 20-year tenure in New England, he helped lead the Patriots to 17 AFC East titles, 10 Super Bowl appearances and six Super Bowl victories.
Related: Tom Brady On Comeback At Age 46: 'I'm Not Opposed To It'
