FOXBORO, MASS. (WHDH) - The New England Patriots will honor legendary quarterback Tom Brady later this year with a celebration at Gillette Stadium during this season’s Patriots home opener, the team announced on Thursday.
The Patriots announced the celebration on Twitter, just over two months after Brady announced he was “retiring for good” from the NFL back in February. Patriots owner Bob Kraft also discussed plans to celebrate Brady in an appearance on NFL Network Thursday morning.
“I invited him back to come here and be with us at the opening game and let the fans in New England thank him for the great service he gave us for over 20 years,” Kraft said.
He added, “It will be the beginning of many celebrations to honor Tom Brady.”
In 20 seasons, Brady did it all in a Patriots uniform, winning six Super Bowl championships and four Super Bowl MVP awards. Brady was also named the NFL’s regular season MVP three times.
In total, Brady threw more than 600 touchdowns as a New England Patriot, including his playoff passes.
“He’s very excited to come back and see our fans and it will be a great, great celebration,” Kraft said.
As fans reacted, current players like Davon Godchaux, who faced Brady as a Miami Dolphin said they are also excited for the ceremony.
“A lot of people are looking forward to it,” Godchaux told reporters. “I bet it’s probably already sold out already.”
The Patriots have already started a ticket giveaway to let lucky fans see Brady honored.
While discussing plans, though, Patriots officials have left unsaid whether Brady’s number 12 will be retired and whether he will sign a one-day contract to retire as a Patriot.
The NFL announced its game schedule for the 2023-2024 season on Thursday night, slating New England’s regular season home opener for Sept. 10 at 4:25 p.m. against the Philadelphia Eagles.
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