Once slighted for his wiry frame at the NFL scouting combine a quarter century earlier, Tom Bradywas all smiles as the New England Patriots unveiled his statue in Foxborough before Friday’s preseason opener against the Washington Commanders.
‘Today is the first time in my life that Boston sports writers will describe me as chiseled, so that’s a major, major win,’ joked the 48-year-old, who admittedly felt ‘old’ to see his bronze likeness immortalized outside Gillette Stadium.
‘Usually they don’t build statues until you’re really old, like [Mike] Vrabel and [Teddy] Bruschi,’ Brady joked, referring to his ex-teammates, the former of whom is now New England’s head coach.
Brady also poked fun at himself by imagining his family and friends’ reaction to the ceremony: ‘Yeah, we love you, but a statue, really?’
But it was the rival New York Jets who may have taken the most shrapnel on Friday.
Giving a nod to his own 30-7 record against the Patriots’ biggest rivals, Brady joked that the ‘statue isn’t just for Pats fans.’
Former New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, left, looks at a bronze statue of himself after it was unveiled in Patriot Place Plaza on Friday
The Patriots unveiled a 12-foot statue of their team’s former No. 12, Tom Brady, on Friday
‘It will also give Jets fans something to throw their beers at as they leave the stadium every year,’ he continued. ‘Probably in the second quarter. Maybe the third.’
Patriots owner Robert Kraft handled MC duties for the unveiling and offered a few touching words on his former quarterback.
‘On a personal note, after my family, there is no human being on the planet I love and respect as much as you,’ Kraft said of Brady.
‘Tommy,you have not only etched your name in NFL history. You’ve etched it in all our hearts,’ Kraft said towards the end of his speech. ‘And now your likeness will forever stand tall here at Gillette Stadium, just like you did – standing tall, poised, and laser-focused.
‘People may forget what’s said tonight, but may this statue forever remind us what Tom Brady did and how he made us all feel.’
Brady was his usual gracious self with both Kraft and Patriots fans.
‘Look, I know what this statue represents. It’s not about one guy. It never is, it never has been,’ Brady said. ‘And in football, it never will be. It’s about a team, and a commitment to being great together.
‘This is quite overwhelming, obviously, and I just thank you so much for being here,’ Brady said. ‘It means the world to me. I appreciate it. Thank you. As [Kraft] just said it perfectly, people will never forget how you made them feel. Right now, I feel extremely honored.’
Tom Brady speaks after a bronze statue of himself was unveiled in Patriot Place Plaza
Fans in Foxborough gather to take photos of former Patriots star Tom Brady
Brady, center left, speaks after a bronze statue of himself was unveiled in Patriot Place
Jonathan Kraft (left), Tom Brady (center) and Robert Kraft (right) are seen at the unveiling
ThePatriots previously retired Brady’s No. 12and inducted him into the team Hall of Fame, but went a step further in honoring the franchise icon by recreating his likeness with a 12-foot bronze statue.
The sculptor has been identified as local artist Jeff Buccacio, who spent around 20,000 hours on the piece with his crew.
Brady famously went from Drew Bledsoe’s backup to a six-timeSuper Bowl winner with the Patriots before moving on to Tampa Bay for his seventh ring with the Buccaneers. Still, the most successful player in NFL history will always be identified with the Patriots after winning 17 division titles in 18 seasons as a starter in New England.
Of course, any statue of a famous figure lends itself to ridicule. A bust of soccer legendCristiano Ronaldo at a Portuguese airport was such an eyesore it was ultimately replaced a year later.
Other statues honoring New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur, Boston Red Sox legend Ted Williams and Chicago Bulls icon Michael Jordan remain popular among sports fans, although a 2024 attempt to recreate Miami Heatstar Dwyane Wade continues to be mocked more than a year later.