Historic Moment: Tom Brady’s Halftime Honor During Patriots’ Loss to Eagles Sets Stage Hall of Fame Induction for June 2024 Hall of Fame Induction

On Sunday, the post-career blossoms of Tom Brady began to bloom in New England. During halftime of the team’s season-opening loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Patriots organised a special ceremony to honour the seasoned quarterback, and there wasn’t a vacant seat in Gillette Stadium as Brady addressed the raucous crowd.

For me, my family, my teammates, and all of us, returning to thank you for everything you’ve done for us is an amazing celebration. I consider myself extremely lucky to have been drafted here twenty years ago—23 years, to be exact—without even knowing where New England was located on the map.

Brady will be the first player to enter the Patriots Hall of Fame, owner Robert Kraft said on Sunday. He is a lock on the first ballot. Brady will be inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame next year thanks to Kraft’s announcement that he will waive the four-year waiting period. On June 12, 2024, Brady will be formally inducted at Gillette Stadium.

Brady oversaw a two-decade dynasty in New England that included 219 regular-season victories, 17 division crowns, and six Super Bowl victories. The former sixth-round pick ran onto the field while wearing his storied No. 12 Patriots jersey and addressed the fans before yelling to the New England crowd every time he crossed the end zone, like he did for 20 magnificent seasons.

We valued two things and developed a culture of teamwork. They were concerned with both winning and each other. And if those two things didn’t matter to you, you didn’t stick around for very long. And it was a pleasure for us to play you. So, in my opinion, we successfully demonstrated teamwork to America. We demonstrate that by pulling down six of those flags and celebrating them in this stadium, we have faith in one another, faith in playing for this community, and faith in playing for a common goal.

Since announcing his retirement in February, Brady had not previously visited New England. Following his third season in Tampa Bay, Brady ended a 23-season career in which he added a seventh Super Bowl ring and established himself as the NFL’s all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns.

Brady wrapped up his remarks with a declaration that garnered a thunderous ovation from the audience and provided the ideal summary of his illustrious career.

We embark on various adventures throughout our life. They take us to various locations and introduce us to various individuals, but one thing I know for sure — and will never alter — is that I am a Patriot for life.