Patriots Unveil a Towering Bronze Statue to Honor a Champion

The statue of Tom Brady, a towering bronze figure, stands at an impressive 17 feet tall. It rests upon a six-sided base, each side representing one of the New England Patriots' Super Bowl victories. The statue's design culminates in a raised fist, a symbol of triumph.

Brady, who was drafted late in the NFL draft due to concerns about his speed, reflected on the honor. He expressed his surprise at being immortalized in bronze, considering his humble beginnings in the league. He joked about his 40-yard dash time, acknowledging the irony of the statue's grand scale.

Brady's career is marked by numerous accolades. He is a three-time NFL MVP, a five-time Super Bowl MVP, and a seven-time NFL champion. He holds numerous records, including most wins, passing yards, and passing touchdowns in both the regular season and playoffs.

The Patriots have already inducted Brady into their Hall of Fame and retired his jersey number 12. Team owner Robert Kraft announced that Brady would be the first player in franchise history to be honored with a bronze statue outside the stadium. The statue, created by sculptor Jeff Buccacio, features a granite base and a 12-foot figure of Brady, a nod to his jersey number. The total height of 17 feet represents the 17 AFC East titles the Patriots won during Brady's tenure.

During the unveiling ceremony, Brady made lighthearted remarks, including a humorous exchange with his former coach, Bill Belichick. He also expressed his initial reluctance to receive a statue, suggesting he felt it was more fitting for someone older. Brady concluded his speech with a playful jab at the New York Jets, the Patriots' rivals.