Tom Brady’s Blunt Reaction to Patriots’ 12-Foot Statue Honoring His Legendary Legacy
Tom Brady Honored with Statue at Gillette Stadium
[Image: Tom Brady standing beside his 12-foot bronze statue at Patriot Place Plaza.]
Twenty-five years after being underestimated for his physique at the NFL Combine, Tom Brady laughed and joked as the New England Patriots unveiled a towering bronze statue in his honor outside Gillette Stadium. The ceremony preceded the team’s preseason game against the Washington Commanders, celebrating the legendary quarterback’s historic tenure with the franchise.
Brady, 48, humorously acknowledged the irony of the tribute: “Today is the first time Boston sports writers will describe me as ‘chiseled’—major win!” He added, “Usually they don’t build statues until you’re really old, like [Mike] Vrabel or [Teddy] Bruschi,” nodding to his former teammates. Though playfully calling the moment “overwhelming,” he quipped about his family’s reaction: “Yeah, we love you, but a statue, really?”
The Jets, longtime rivals of the Patriots, bore the brunt of Brady’s wit. Referencing his 30-7 record against New York, he joked, “This statue isn’t just for Pats fans. It’ll give Jets fans something to throw their beers at… probably by the second quarter.”
[Image: Brady addressing the crowd at the statue unveiling ceremony.]
Patriots owner Robert Kraft delivered heartfelt remarks, calling Brady “the most loved, respected human” outside his family. “Your likeness will stand tall here, just like you did—poised and laser-focused,” Kraft said. “People may forget tonight’s words, but this statue will remind us of how you made us feel.”
Brady deflected praise onto his team: “This isn’t about one guy. Football is about greatness together.” The 12-foot statue, crafted by local artist Jeff Buccacio and his team over 20,000 hours, immortalizes Brady mid-throw, jersey No. 12 prominent.
[Image: Robert Kraft, Tom Brady, and Jonathan Kraft pose beside the statue.]
Brady’s legacy with New England includes six Super Bowl titles and 17 division crowns in 18 seasons. After a final championship with Tampa Bay, he retired as the NFL’s most decorated player.
The statue joins mixed company in sports lore. While tributes to icons like Michael Jordan and Ted Williams are revered, others—like Cristiano Ronaldo’s infamous airport bust or the mocked Dwyane Wade sculpture—highlight the risks of immortalizing athletes in bronze. Brady’s, however, seems poised to avoid such pitfalls, standing as a testament to a career that redefined excellence.
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