Tom Brady inducted into Patriots Hall of Fame during star-studded ceremony at Gillette Stadium
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FOXBORO – The greatest quarterback of all time was back at Gillette Stadium Wednesday night as Tom Brady was inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame during a star-studded event.
Brady became the 35th person inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame, but he is the first one celebrated with a ceremony inside Gillette Stadium. Normally, there is a four-year waiting period for players to be inducted, but obviously Brady was worth making the exception for.
During the ceremony, the team retired Brady's No. 12 and announced a statue will be unveiled in his honor this season.
Tom Brady ceremony ends with fireworks
All members of the Patriots Hall of Fame took the stage together to conclude Tom Brady's induction.
While the group posed for pictures on stage and fans began to exit, fireworks were shot off behind the stage.
Tom Brady receives red jacket
Tom Brady is officially a member of the Patriots Hall of Fame after receiving his red jacket.
"I am Tom Brady, and I am a Patriot," Brady said to conclude his speech.
During his speech, Brady praised Bill Belichick.
"Let me make this crystal clear there is no coach in the world I would rather play for than Bill Belichick," Brady said.
Patriots official retire Tom Brady's No. 12, to unveil statue
Patriots owner Robert Kraft announced the team has retired Brady's No. 12 and no one will ever wear it again.
A statue will also be constructed outside the Patriots Hall of Fame that is 12 feet tall.
Robert Kraft takes the stage
Recently retired Patriots captain Matthew Slater introduced team owner Robert Kraft.
Kraft spoke about how important it was to host more than just a halftime ceremony to honor Brady.
"Tonight it gives Patriots fans the chance to celebrate the greatest of all time, our Tom Brady," Kraft said.
Bill Belichick takes stage to massive ovation
Bill Belichick took the stage to a deafening ovation from the Patriots fans in attendance.
"Thank you Patriot nation, thank you!" Belichick said.
Some cheers of "Belichick!" broke out in the stands.
Kenny Chesney performs "The Boys of Fall"
Country music star Kenny Chesney took the stage to play "The Boys of Fall," his hit football-themed song.
Patriots center David Andrews introduced Chesney.
Pyrotechnics were set off around the stadium as the song played.
Randy Moss tears up during lengthy ovation
The "Work Ethic" segment got underway with a special moment.
Brady's former wide receiver Randy Moss received a massive standing ovation from the crowd.
Pausing his remarks, Moss looked around the stadium and began to tear up.
The segment was focused on Brady's iconic pass catchers. Joining Brady and Moss on stage were Julian Edelman, Rob Gronkowski and Wes Welker.
Matt Damon congratulates Tom Brady
A video recorded by actor Matt Damon was played after another set by Bill Burr, who broke down a variety of Brady's old fashion styles.
"I know you're not from New England but you'll always be a New Englander as far as we're concerned," Damon said
Josh McDaniels, Drew Bledsoe host "QB Room" segment
Former Patriots assistant coach Josh McDaniels was joined by Drew Bledsoe, Matt Cassel and Brian Hoyer for a segment called "QB Room."
Each reflected on Brady's work ethic on and off the field, and what it was like to play with a legend.4
Hoyer talked about how when he was Brady's teammate, he didn't want to bother him so he just watched. He remembered Brady walking by him and saying "Hi Brian, I'm Tom."
"No s--t, you're Tom Brady," Hoyer remembered thinking.
Bledsoe joked that while he promised he would be nice to Brady for the evening, there was one thing he wanted to get off his chest.
"Great teammate, greatest quarterback of all time, you were the worst backup quarterback of all time. You never understood that when I got healthy you were supposed to sit the hell down!" Bledsoe joked.
Boston sports legends honor Brady
Representatives of Boston's other professional sports teams paid tribute with video messages to Brady.
David Ortiz represented the Red Sox, Paul Pierce recorded a message on behalf of the Celtics, retired Bruins' center Patrice Bergeron gave a tribute, and Taylor Twellman spoke on behalf of the Revolution.
Tom Brady's old enemies pay tribute
Video messages were played from a variety of Brady's prior "enemies."
Ray Lewis' video was loudly booed, as was Eli Manning, who won two Super Bowls against Brady and the Patriots.
The loudest boos of the segment came near the end when Patrick Mahomes and Richard Sherman were shown.
The video ended with former Raiders cornerback Charles Woodson saying "I almost forgot. It was a damn fumble," referring to the famous Tuck Rule game.
After the video, Mike Tirico introduced a former foe who insisted on being at the event to surprise Brady in person. Peyton Manning took the stage and reflected on what it was like to play against Brady.
Ty Law tells Tom Brady "You are the greatest football player of all time"
Several defensive stars from throughout Brady's time in New England took the stage.
Ty Law, Vince Wilfork, Willie McGinest, and Devin McCourty joined Brady and Tirico to reflect on their time playing with the NFL legend.
"Not only are you the greatest quarterback of all time but you are the greatest football player of all time," Law said.
There was a massive ovation from the crowd when the highlight of Wilfork's iconic interception and run after the catch.
"If we get him the ball, we win," Wilfork said about what it was like playing defense for the Patriots with Brady waiting on the sideline ready to get back on the field.
Six Super Bowl trophies brought on stage
The six Super Bowl trophies Brady won in New England were brought onto the stage and placed behind the couch Brady is sitting on.
Brady spoke about his love for the Kraft family.
"I don't think anything can detract or distract from what our love and commitment to one another always was," Brady said.
Brady called his family "adopted New Englanders."
Host Mike Tirico promises a toast, not a roast
Comedian Bill Burr, a Massachusetts native, took the stage after Jay-Z.
After his monologue, emcee Mike Tirico joked that this event will not be like Brady's "Greatest Roast of All Time" on Netflix.
"Tonight is not a roast. Tonight is a toast," Tirico told the crowd.
A video of interviews done with Brady's family was played, prompting a loud ovation.
Jay-Z performs "Public Service Announcement" as Tom Brady enters ceremony
Rapper Jay-Z performed "Public Service Announcement" as the ceremony began.
For years, Tom Brady took the field at Gillette Stadium during pregame to the song, with the lyrics "Allow me to reintroduce myself."
Fans chanted "Brady! Brady! Brady!" as the guest of honor entered the stadium.
Doug Flutie speaks about Tom Brady
Former Boston College legend and New England Patriot Doug Flutie was on hand, and spoke to WBZ-TV sports director Steve Burton on the red carpet.
"I only played one year with Tom, but he's been such a friend. I wouldn't miss this for the world," Flutie said. "He has touched all our lives, and all the joy he's brought to all of us New England fans, he's special."
Jon Bon Jovi on hand for ceremony
The red carpet arrival show is being played on the video screens inside the stadium as fans are arriving at their seats.
Among those getting a loud round of applause upon arriving were Jon Bon Jovi, Danny Amendola, Julian Edelman, and new Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo.
The "Brady Four" arrive
Dave Portnoy, John Feitelberg, Hank Lockwood, and Paul Gulczynski from Barstool Sports are among the guests in attendance Wednesday night.
All four were arrested in 2015 at NFL headquarters for protesting Brady's 4-game DeflateGate suspension.
The so-called "Brady Four" walked the red carpet dressed the same as they were the day of their arrest.
Tom Brady, Robert Kraft walk red carpet
The guest of honor has arrived at Gillette Stadium.
Tom Brady and Patriots owner Robert Kraft are among the stars walking the red carpet ahead of the Hall of Fame ceremony.
Gov. Maura Healey declares "Tom Brady Day" in Massachusetts
Gov. Maura Healey declared Wednesday to be "Tom Brady Day" in Massachusetts.
In a proclamation, Healey praised Brady's "strength, dedication, and determination as an athlete."
"Whereas, Tom Brady's induction into the Patriots Hall of Fame proves he is truly the G.O.A.T.," Healey wrote.
Tom Brady's Hall of Fame resume
Tom Brady's unmatched career includes six Super Bowl wins with New England and one in Tampa Bay.
Brady holds many franchise records, including most regular season wins, passing yards, touchdowns, yards per game, and more.
He also holds NFL records for most Super Bowl wins, most Super Bowl MVPs, and a host of postseason records.
Who is in the Patriots Hall of Fame?
Wednesday night, Tom Brady becomes the 35th person enshrined at the Patriots Hall of Fame, joining a group that includes six players who are also in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton.
Here is a complete list of everyone in the Patriots Hall of Fame.
What will happen during the ceremony?
There are expected to be familiar faces on hand for the event. Hundreds of Brady's former Patriots teammates are in attendance for the event, and many will be speaking.
Mike Tirico of NBC will serve as host for the ceremony and comedian Bill Burr is among the entertainers on hand.
Guests are arriving at Gillette Stadium during a red carpet special ahead of the ceremony.
"Brady will be joined by family and friends in a ceremony that will feature tales from former teammates and coaches from Brady's storied 20-year career in New England," the team told fans who bought tickets. "The first-of-its-kind event to celebrate a once-in-a-lifetime career will also feature special guest appearances, musical acts, fireworks and more."
What Tom Brady said about Gillette Stadium return
Wednesday won't be the first time Tom Brady has been back at Gillette Stadium since he retired.
Last September, Brady was honored at halftime of the team's season-opening game against the Philadelphia Eagles. That was when Patriots owner Robert Kraft announced Brady's upcoming induction.
"A surreal day. It's tough to put into words [how] this entire region has been a part of my life. All the incredible memories I have," Brady said after the ceremony. "Very special day for my family, myself, and for a lot of people for a lot of reasons. I'm happy we got to be back here and celebrate something really special."