FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The unveiling of Tom Brady's statue marks a monumental moment in NFL history. Weighing an impressive six tons and soaring 17 feet above the ground, this bronze tribute stands proudly on a hexagonal granite base. Each side of the base commemorates one of the New England Patriots' Super Bowl victories, encapsulating the legacy of a player who defied the odds to become a football legend. Drafted as the 199th pick due to concerns about his speed and mobility, Brady has proven time and again that he was destined for greatness.
During the ceremony held on Friday night, prior to the Patriots' exhibition opener against the Washington Commanders, Brady reflected on his journey. "When I was drafted, I just hoped to make the team," he shared. "I never dreamed I’d be standing here two and a half decades later, made of bronze and frozen in time." He humorously noted that given his 40-yard dash time, the statue's imposing presence feels quite fitting.
Brady’s illustrious career includes accolades that are unparalleled: he is a three-time NFL Most Valuable Player, a five-time Super Bowl MVP, and a seven-time NFL champion. Notably, he claimed one of his championships after joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Retiring in 2023, Brady left the league as the most decorated player in NFL history, holding numerous records for wins, passing yards, and passing touchdowns in both regular season and playoff games.
Last year, the New England Patriots honored him by waiving the typical four-year waiting period to induct him into their Hall of Fame and officially retired his iconic No. 12 jersey. During the unveiling ceremony, team owner Robert Kraft announced that Brady would be the first player in franchise history to have a bronze statue outside the stadium, a fitting tribute to his monumental contributions to the team.
The statue, crafted by lifelong Patriots fan and sculptor Jeff Buccacio, was unveiled on the plaza outside the team's Pro Shop and Hall of Fame. It features a towering 12-foot likeness of Brady, emphasizing his uniform number and fulfilling Kraft's vision of creating a statue that is larger than life. The total height of 17 feet also symbolizes the 17 AFC East titles won by the Patriots during Brady's 19 seasons with the franchise.
In a lighthearted moment during his speech, Brady joked about receiving a call from former coach Bill Belichick, humorously suggesting that Belichick believed there was "still room for improvement" regarding the statue. "I know that feeling," he quipped, drawing laughter from the crowd.
The unveiling attracted a large gathering of fans, many of whom lined the plaza and nearby stairways to catch a glimpse of the ceremony. Among the attendees were Brady's parents and children, current coach Mike Vrabel, and former teammates such as Devin and Jason McCourty, David Andrews, Wes Welker, and Brian Hoyer. Notably, members of the Commanders' entourage, including general manager Adam Peters and former Patriot Deatrich Wise, also showed their support.
Brady, known for his playful banter, remarked that he initially thought a statue was more appropriate for someone “really old,” like Vrabel. He concluded with a tongue-in-cheek comment aimed at the New York Jets: “This statue isn’t just for Pats fans. It’ll also give all the Jets fans something to throw their beers at as they leave the stadium every year,” he joked, adding, “Probably in the second quarter.”
