The New England Patriots unveiled a bronze statue of Tom Brady outside Gillette Stadium on Friday, marking a monumental tribute to the legendary quarterback who led the franchise to six Super Bowl victories.
This statue honors Brady’s incredible impact on both the team and the NFL at large. Patriots owner Robert Kraft had previously announced this honor, calling the statue a way to “immortalize the legendary career of a sports icon.” With Brady’s long and successful tenure in New England, the statue seemed like a fitting tribute to one of the greatest athletes in NFL history.
The statue itself shows Brady with his right fist raised in triumph, his helmet held in his left hand. The design also features an inscription that lists each of the Super Bowls Brady won with the Patriots. The unveiling occurred just before the team’s preseason opener against the Washington Commanders, adding to the excitement and significance of the moment.
Brady, visibly moved by the gesture, shared his gratitude during the event. “This means the world to me,” he said, expressing his deep appreciation for the honor. “People will never forget how you made them feel,” he added, quoting Patriots owner Robert Kraft. “Right now, I feel extremely honored, deeply grateful, and if I’m being honest, kind of old.”
Fans react to Brady’s statue
While Brady’s reaction was one of joy and gratitude, the unveiling did not exactly receive universal praise from NFL fans. The statue sparked a wave of mixed reactions, with many voicing their disappointment over its design. Some were critical of the pose itself.
One fan remarked, “Disappointment. No logo, can’t even see the 12, and most importantly, no Lombardi???” This fan highlighted two key elements missing from the statue – the absence of Brady’s iconic No. 12 jersey number and the lack of the Lombardi Trophy, a symbol that represents Brady’s many Super Bowl wins.
Further criticism came from those who felt the chosen pose didn’t capture Brady’s most memorable moments. “He should be holding a Lombardi,” another fan wrote, referencing the quarterback’s historic achievements. Another fan quipped, “Out of all the poses in his career, and they landed on this? L,” implying that other poses might have been a better representation of Brady’s career.
Interestingly, some fans expressed a desire for a different type of statue altogether. “I was hoping for the tunnel run fist bump pose, but I guess this is alright,” one fan commented, referencing a well-known image of Brady’s pre-game tunnel entrance. This pose is iconic to many, capturing the energy and determination that defined Brady throughout his career.
Despite the critiques, the statue still resembles Brady, a fact that brings some relief given the number of botched statues revealed in the past. While not everyone is happy with the design, the statue serves as a lasting tribute to a player whose influence on the NFL cannot be overstated.
Even with mixed opinions, it will undoubtedly stand as a testament to Brady’s greatness in New England and beyond.
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