Tom brady traded tears for touchdowns of laughter at Gillette Stadium this past week, unveiling his statue with a decidedly more comedic tone than his jersey retirement ceremony a year prior.
Brady’s statue unveiling at Gillette Stadium embraced humor over emotion.
- Tom Brady embraced a comedic tone at his Gillette Stadium statue unveiling.
- He joked about his age and his infamous NFL Combine photo.
- Brady playfully jabbed at the Jets and his former coach Bill Belichick.
- He also reflected on how his closest friends see him.
Brady, surrounded by an excited crowd that filled the plaza and stadium, tapped into his Netflix roast persona. This marked a important shift from the emotional farewell he delivered last year. Among those in attendance was Robert Kraft, 82, 24 years older than Brady, was in attendance.
The ‘Combine-Era Tommy’ Roasts Himself
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Brady didn’t shy away from his less-than-chiseled physique from his NFL Combine days, famously captured in a doughy, shirtless photo. He leaned into the self-deprecating humor. “I never dreamed I’d be standing here two and a half decades later made of bronze and frozen in time. it actually feels pretty appropriate, given my 40-yard dash time,” he joked. He added a delightful jab at the local press: “Today is the first time in my life that Boston sports writers will describe me as chiseled. So that’s a major, major win.”
Still Just Tom to His Inner Circle
While Brady offered heartfelt thanks to the Krafts, coaches, and teammates, he shared a humorous insight into how his closest circle views his legendary status. “To my family, my kids, my parents, my sisters, all my friends who traveled long distances to be here, I wouldn’t be here without you all,” Brady said.He then imagined their private thoughts: “Although I’m sure most of them are mumbling under their breath right now, ‘Yeah we love you, but a statue? Really?'”
A Timeless Jab at the Jets
Brady’s infamous 2010 declaration, “I hate the Jets,” remains a touchstone for Patriots fans. He couldn’t resist revisiting the rivalry, much to the crowd’s delight. “this statue isn’t just for Pats fans,” Brady declared. “It’ll also give all the Jets fans something to throw their beers at as they leave the stadium every year — probably in the second quarter … maybe the third.” Given his dominant 30-7 career record against New York, the sentiment resonated deeply.
Belichick’s Shadow Looms, Even in Bronze
A nod to his former head coach, Bill Belichick, was unavoidable. Brady’s approach was pure showmanship. After praising sculptor Jeff Buccacio, whose team spent 20,000 hours on the statue, Brady pulled out his phone. “As for the statue itself,Jeff,you and your team did an incredible job. Seriously, it is indeed so accurate, so detailed … hold on, one sec,” he paused, feigning a call. “Sorry, Jeff. That was Coach Belichick. He said there’s still room for improvement. I know the feeling.”
Future Fame, or Future Mystery?
In a final, self-effacing moment, Brady pondered the ephemeral nature of fame. Despite the bronze immortality, he envisioned a future where his legacy might be questioned. “I’m proud to know that fans can show up at this stadium and feel as inspired as I always did playing here,” he said. “To think that a kid from California might some day travel here to this plaza, stop, gaze at this work of art and say, ‘Who the hell is that guy?!'” He concluded his remarks with his signature rallying cry, “let’s go!”
