Tom Brady: NFL legend’s No. 12 jersey to be retired after entering New England Patriots Hall of Fame

Tom Brady has been enshrined into the New England Patriots Hall of Fame and his No. 12 jersey has been retired by the NFL team.

It has also been revealed that a 12-foot statue of the legendary quarterback will be unveiled during the 2024 season, which the Patriots have never done before.

Brady spent 20 years with the franchise after being drafted in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft.

He went on to win six Super Bowl rings with the team, as well as 17 AFC East titles.

Brady finished his career by playing three seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he won another Super Bowl.

A sold-out crowd of more than 60,000 people were at the Gillette Stadium for Brady’s Hall of Fame ceremony.

Reflecting on his time with the Patriots, Brady said: "How do I sum up two decades in New England in one short speech? The answer is simple: you can't. 

“It's hard for me to properly express my gratitude and my appreciation for how my time here has added to my life. There are too many lessons learned, too many stories to be told, too many incredible moments and achievements we all experienced together. 

“It would take me 30 days to get through it all, not 30 minutes. There are so many people to thank, and I apologise in advance if I leave anybody out."

As well as celebrating Brady, the crowd gave a rousing reception to former coach Bill Belichick who returned to Gillette Stadium having parted ways with the team at the end of the 2023 season.

Despite rumours of their relationship breaking down towards the end of their time working together, Brady suggested any fractures have healed by paying tribute to Belichick.

"Thank you for your tireless commitment to develop and push me to be my very best,” he said.

“It wasn't me, it wasn't you, it was us.

"Let me make this crystal clear - there is no coach in the world I would rather play for than Bill Belichick."

After a three-hour ceremony, which also featured performances from Jay Z and Kenny Chesney, Brady brought the evening to a close with his final speech.

"It is the honour of my life to take my place among these other Patriot Hall of Famers and to be officially enshrined into the winning legacy of this amazing organisation.

"You humble me, you make me proud and I am eternally grateful. I am Tom Brady, and I am a Patriot."

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