Current:Home > NewsJohnathan Walker:Tom Brady's No. 12 'is now officially retired' by New England Patriots -EquityZone
Johnathan Walker:Tom Brady's No. 12 'is now officially retired' by New England Patriots
SignalHub Quantitative Think Tank Center View
Date:2025-04-08 16:30:27
Tom Brady was inducted into the New England Patriots' Hall of Fame on Johnathan WalkerWednesday night, but that wasn't the only honor he received in the ceremony at Gillette Stadium.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft revealed that Brady's No. 12 "is now officially retired."
"There is only one iconic number that will always represent Tom Brady, and tonight, I promise it will never be worn again," Kraft said.
Brady appeared to be moved to tears by the announcement as fans cheered.
Kraft also promised that a statue of Brady would be unveiled at the stadium later this year, per reporters covering the event. Appropriately, it is slated to be 12 feet tall.
All things Patriots: Latest New England Patriots news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.
The celebration of Brady's legendary 20-year run with the Patriots — he won six Super Bowl championships in Foxborough, in case you forgot — brought a number of football luminaries to the stadium. Peyton Manning was there, as was Hall of Fame receiver Randy Moss, who was brought to tears by the standing ovation he received in a moving moment.
Longtime coach Bill Belichick and former teammate Drew Bledsoe, who both took part in Brady's Netflix roast, were also among those in attendance. Bledsoe produced some laughs when he called Brady "the worst backup quarterback in the history of the NFL."
"You never understood that when I got healthy, you're supposed to sit the hell down," Bledsoe cracked.
Belichick thanked Brady for everything he did for the coach, the team and for "the example and model that you've been for all of us on a daily basis for 20 years.
"You're unbelievable. Congratulations."
Brady, who told fans "it feels good to be home," also had high praise for Belichick and the historic partnership they forged together.
"It wasn't me. It wasn't you. It was us," Brady said, according to reporters.
"Let me make this crystal clear — there is no coach in the world I would rather play for."
Brady left the Patriots after the 2019 season and Belichick — who never won a playoff game in New England without Brady — parted ways with the organization earlier this year. But at least Wednesday night, any bad blood that lingered between Brady, Belichick and Kraft over the demise of the Patriots' dynasty appeared to be cast aside in a night of celebration of the greatest football run we've ever seen.
veryGood! (21318)
Related
- Warm inflation data keep S&P 500, Dow, Nasdaq under wraps before Fed meeting next week
- Francis Ford Coppola sues Variety over article about his 'unprofessional behavior'
- 'Grey's Anatomy' returns for Season 21: Premiere date, time, cast, where to watch
- Eva Mendes Details What Helps When Her and Ryan Gosling’s Kids Have Anxiety
- Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
- Why Julie Chen Is Missing Big Brother's Live Eviction Show for First Time in 24 Years
- Nebraska AG alleges thousands of invalid signatures on pot ballot petitions and 1 man faces charges
- A mystery that gripped the internet for years has been solved: Meet 'Celebrity Number Six'
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- Texas’ highest criminal court declines to stop execution of man accused in shaken baby case
Ranking
- The Louvre will be renovated and the 'Mona Lisa' will have her own room
- Colorado mass shooting survivor testifies the gunman repeated ‘This is fun’ during the attack
- Brothers charged with assaulting New York Times photographer during Capitol riot
- US consumer sentiment ticks higher for second month but remains subdued
- How to watch new prequel series 'Dexter: Original Sin': Premiere date, cast, streaming
- Spook-tacular 2024 Pet Costumes: Top Halloween Picks for Dogs & Cats from Amazon, Target, PetSmart & More
- Video shows dog leap out of car window to chase deer eating grass in New York: Watch
- An Alaska Airlines plane aborts takeoff to avoid hitting a Southwest Airlines aircraft
Recommendation
Alex Murdaugh’s murder appeal cites biased clerk and prejudicial evidence
Ex-Massachusetts lawmaker convicted of scamming pandemic unemployment funds
Why Julie Chen Is Missing Big Brother's Live Eviction Show for First Time in 24 Years
New York City lawmakers approve bill to study slavery and reparations
Trump's 'stop
Another Midwest Drought Is Causing Transportation Headaches on the Mississippi River
Smartmatic’s suit against Newsmax over 2020 election reporting appears headed for trial
Ruling blocks big changes to Utah citizen initiatives but lawmakers vow appeal