Sunday, September 10th was the New England Patriots home opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. Football legend Tom Brady was honored during a halftime ceremony at Gillette Stadium. Brady was the former quarterback to the New England Patriots for 20 years and he even led the team to win 6 Super Bowls.

After 23 seasons of football, 20 with the Patriots and 3 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tom Brady announced his retirement on February 1st 2023. 

Gillette Stadium was packed with fans awaiting Tom Brady’s return to New England. Since Brady played in Tampa for his last three years, the Patriots thought he should retire a Patriot with a New England celebratory farewell. At the beginning of halftime, Brady ran out onto the field as cheers from 65,000 fans filled the stadium. New England Patriots owner, Robert Kraft, gave a short speech where he stated that Tom Brady would be inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame on June 12, 2024. This means they are waving the 4 year retirement requirement in order to be inducted into the Patriots’ Hall of Fame. The Patriots are also retiring the iconic number 12 jersey. 

During the ceremony, Brady had the chance to thank the fans, his former teammates, and his former coaches. Brady’s three children were with him during the ceremony. Brady mentioned during his speech that this ceremony was just as much a celebration for him as it was for his family.

Later, Brady stated:  “I was so fortunate to be drafted here two decades ago, 23 years to be exact, not even knowing where New England was on the map, and not that we put it on the map, but I think a lot more people in the U.S. know where the New England Patriots play.” Brady made so many memories in Gillette Stadium, and many more are to come. First, he was a player, then an opponent, now a fan. Life is full of challenges and changes, but one thing is for sure: Tom Brady is, and forever will be a Patriot.