Just over a year after Tom Brady entered the New England Patriots‘ Ring of Honor, the franchise has taken another step to cement his legacy but Bill Belichick isn’t overly impressed.
In 2024, his iconic No. 12 jersey was retired and placed on permanent display, and now, before the start of the new season, Gillette Stadium has added another tribute: a 12-foot bronze statue of the seven-time Super Bowl champion.
Commissioned by Robert Kraft and reportedly costing seven figures, the monument occupies a prime location outside the stadium, and the towering height serves as a symbolic nod to Brady‘s jersey number.
The quarterback is depicted standing on a podium, one hand raised in victory, the other holding his helmet, with a game towel at his waist, his expression oozing confidence and focus – a nod to his famed personality on the field.
Additionally, the sculpture’s lifelike precision extends to his facial features – the sharp jawline, focused eyes, and distinct demeanor that for Patriots fans, it’s an image that evokes countless memories of big-game moments.
However, one person who isn’t the biggest fan of the statue is the 72-year-old Belichick, Tom‘s coach until 2020, who dropped his QB a call to criticize the statue in a traditional Belichick way.
“Hold on one sec. Really? Sorry, Jeff, that was Coach Belichick. He said there is always room for improvement. I know the feeling,” Brady told the crowd, drawing laughter as the lighthearted exchange mirrored their NFL-defining dynamic.
But ultimately, the 47-year-old, who won four Super Bowl MVPs, three NFL MVPs and passed for 541 touchdowns in New England, expressed his gratitude to the Patriots for recognizing him.
“Look, I know what this statue represents,” Brady said. “It’s not about one guy, it never is, it never has been, and in football, it never will be. It’s about a team and the commitment to being great together.
“I’m humbled and honored to be a part of this organisation for twenty incredible years. You guys shaped my life, the life of my family, and for that I’m forever grateful.”
Drake Maye’s mixed performance vs Washington Commanders
The Patriots kicked off preseason in fine fashion with a 48-18 preseason victory over the Washington Commanders, although Brady‘s spiritual successor, Drake Maye, delivered a mixed performance on Friday, August 8.
Opening with a 7-0 lead following TreVeyon Henderson‘s 100-yard kickoff return, the young QB completed short passes before a third-and-7 breakdown led to a fumble under pressure from Jer’Zhan Newton.
The turnover proved harmless, as Washington missed a subsequent field goal, before Maye responded with an eight-play, 61-yard drive, finishing with a five-yard touchdown run.
He also scrambled for 11 yards earlier on but the 22-year-old completed only one of three passes, totaling 12 yards. His final stat line: 3-for-5 passing, 12 yards, 16 rushing yards, and one score.
Read the full article here
