Over twenty-five years after being overlooked due to his slender build at the NFL scouting combine, Tom Brady was all smiles as the New England Patriots revealed his statue in Foxborough. This event took place ahead of Friday’s preseason game against the Washington Commanders.

The 48-year-old quipped, ‘Today is the first time Boston sports writers might call me chiseled, so that’s a big win,’ while acknowledging he felt ‘old’ seeing his bronze statue standing outside Gillette Stadium.

Brady humorously remarked, ‘Usually, they don’t put up statues until you’re really old, like [Mike] Vrabel and [Teddy] Bruschi,’ mentioning his former teammates, with Vrabel now leading the Patriots as head coach.

Brady also poked fun at himself by imagining his family and friends’ reaction to the ceremony: ‘Yeah, we love you, but a statue, really?’ 

But it was the rival New York Jets who may have taken the most shrapnel on Friday. 

Giving a nod to his own 30-7 record against the Patriots’ biggest rivals, Brady joked that the ‘statue isn’t just for Pats fans.’

He added, ‘It’ll also give Jets fans something to throw their beers at as they exit the stadium each year. Probably around the second or third quarter.’

Patriots owner Robert Kraft handled MC duties for the unveiling and offered a few touching words on his former quarterback. 

‘On a personal note, after my family, there is no human being on the planet I love and respect as much as you,’ Kraft said of Brady. 

‘Tommy, you’ve secured your place not just in NFL history but in our hearts,’ said Kraft towards the end of his speech. ‘And now your statue will remain here at Gillette Stadium, reflecting how you stood – tall, calm, and intensely focused.’

‘People may forget what’s said tonight, but may this statue forever remind us what Tom Brady did and how he made us all feel.’ 

Brady was his usual gracious self with both Kraft and Patriots fans. 

Brady commented, ‘I understand what this statue symbolizes. It’s never just about one person. It wasn’t before, and it won’t ever be in football. It’s always about the team and a shared dedication to greatness.’

‘This is quite overwhelming, obviously, and I just thank you so much for being here,’ Brady said. ‘It means the world to me. I appreciate it. Thank you. As [Kraft] just said it perfectly, people will never forget how you made them feel. Right now, I feel extremely honored.’

The Patriots previously retired Brady’s No. 12 and inducted him into the team Hall of Fame, but went a step further in honoring the franchise icon by recreating his likeness with a 12-foot bronze statue. 

The sculptor has been identified as local artist Jeff Buccacio, who spent around 20,000 hours on the piece with his crew. 

Brady famously went from Drew Bledsoe’s backup to a six-time Super Bowl winner with the Patriots before moving on to Tampa Bay for his seventh ring with the Buccaneers. Still, the most successful player in NFL history will always be identified with the Patriots after winning 17 division titles in 18 seasons as a starter in New England.

Of course, any statue of a famous figure lends itself to ridicule. A bust of soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo at a Portuguese airport was such an eyesore it was ultimately replaced a year later.

Other statues honoring New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur, Boston Red Sox legend Ted Williams and Chicago Bulls icon Michael Jordan remain popular among sports fans, although a 2024 attempt to recreate Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade continues to be mocked more than a year later.