FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — A monumental tribute to Tom Brady, one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, now stands proudly outside the New England Patriots’ stadium. This impressive statue weighs six tons and rises 17 feet high, symbolizing the legendary player's extraordinary career and his impact on the franchise. The statue features a six-sided base, representing each of the Patriots’ Super Bowl victories, and culminates in a bronze fist raised in triumph.
During the unveiling ceremony, which took place before the Patriots’ exhibition opener against the Washington Commanders, Brady reflected on his remarkable journey. “When I was drafted, I just hoped to make the team. I never dreamed I’ll be standing here two and a half decades later, made of bronze and frozen in time,” he remarked. Brady humorously acknowledged his 40-yard dash time as a fitting reason for the statue's grandeur.
Brady’s accolades are numerous; he is a three-time NFL Most Valuable Player, five-time Super Bowl MVP, and a seven-time Super Bowl champion, including a title won with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after leaving the Patriots. He retired in 2023, holding the record as the league’s most-decorated player, with numerous records in categories such as most wins, passing yards, and passing touchdowns for both the regular season and playoffs.
Last year, the Patriots honored Brady by inducting him into their Hall of Fame, waiving the typical four-year waiting period, and retiring his iconic No. 12 jersey. At the unveiling ceremony, team owner Robert Kraft proudly announced that Brady would be the first player in franchise history to be immortalized with a bronze statue outside the stadium. The sculpture, created by lifelong Patriots fan and sculptor Jeff Buccacio, stands on a hexagonal granite base and features a 12-foot depiction of Brady, fulfilling Kraft’s desire for a statue 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 team. In a light-hearted moment during his speech, Brady pretended to receive a call from former coach Bill Belichick, joking about Belichick's opinion on the statue: “He said there’s still room for improvement,” Brady quipped, adding, “I know that feeling.”
As fans filled the plaza and crowded the nearby stairway, they cheered and chanted Brady’s name, creating an electric atmosphere. Among the distinguished guests were Brady’s parents, children, current coach Mike Vrabel, and former teammates including Devin and Jason McCourty, David Andrews, Wes Welker, and Brian Hoyer. Several members of the Commanders’ entourage, including general manager Adam Peters and defensive end Deatrich Wise, were also in attendance.
In a humorous poke at his rivals, Brady concluded his remarks by addressing New York Jets fans: “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 said with a grin. “Probably in the second quarter.”
