Published: August 9, 2025, 19:00 EDT

Legendary quarterback celebrated for six Super Bowl wins and 20 years of leadership

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots have immortalized Tom Brady with a massive bronze statue, paying tribute to the quarterback who led the team to six Super Bowl victories and redefined the franchise’s history. The six-ton, 17-foot monument now stands proudly outside Gillette Stadium, symbolizing not only his on-field accomplishments but also his lasting impact on the sport.

Brady, who was famously drafted 199th overall in 2000, returned to Foxborough Friday evening for the unveiling ceremony, held before the Patriots’ exhibition opener against the Washington Commanders. Fans, teammates, and NFL dignitaries gathered to celebrate the career of one of football’s greatest players.

A Monument to a Storied Career

The statue, designed by sculptor and lifelong Patriots fan Jeff Buccacio, features a 12-foot-tall depiction of Brady atop a six-sided granite base — one side for each of the Patriots’ Super Bowl victories during his tenure. The entire structure measures 17 feet, representing the 17 AFC East division titles New England won in Brady’s 19 seasons with the team.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft, speaking at the ceremony, called the moment historic.

“Tom will forever be remembered as the player who transformed this organization,” Kraft said. “It is only fitting he becomes the first player in Patriots history to be honored with a bronze statue outside the stadium.”

Brady, a three-time NFL MVP and five-time Super Bowl MVP, retired in 2023 as the league’s most decorated quarterback. Over his 23-year career — including two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — he secured seven Super Bowl titles, set NFL records for wins, passing yards, and touchdowns, and became a global icon for the sport.

A Return Filled with Humor and Heart

Brady addressed the crowd with his trademark mix of humility and humor.

“When I was drafted, I just hoped to make the team,” he said. “I never dreamed I’d be standing here 25 years later, made of bronze and frozen in time. Although, given my 40-yard dash speed, maybe it’s pretty accurate.”

In a playful moment, Brady pretended to take a phone call from former coach Bill Belichick, joking that Belichick still thought there was “room for improvement.” He also took a lighthearted jab at longtime rivals, the New York Jets.

“This statue isn’t just for Pats fans. It’ll also give Jets fans something to throw their beers at every year — probably in the second quarter,” he quipped.

A Gathering of Football’s Finest

The ceremony drew an impressive crowd of NFL personalities and fans. Brady’s parents and children were in attendance, along with current Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, former teammates Devin and Jason McCourty, Wes Welker, David Andrews, and Brian Hoyer. Members of the Washington Commanders organization, including general manager Adam Peters and former Patriot Deatrich Wise, also stopped by to witness the moment.

Coach Vrabel reflected on the honor after the Patriots’ 48–18 win over the Commanders.

“Having someone like Tom as part of this organization is truly unique and special,” Vrabel said. “I’m glad I could be here to celebrate it.”

From Long Shot to Legend

Brady’s journey from an overlooked sixth-round draft pick to a global sports icon remains one of the most remarkable stories in NFL history. His leadership, relentless work ethic, and competitive spirit helped transform the Patriots into a dynasty, cementing their place in football history.

In 2023, the Patriots fast-tracked his induction into the team’s Hall of Fame, waiving the standard four-year waiting period. His iconic No. 12 jersey was retired the same day — an honor reserved for the franchise’s most influential figures.

A Lasting Symbol in Foxborough

The statue’s location outside the Patriots’ Hall of Fame and Pro Shop ensures that fans will encounter it on game days and throughout the year. It stands not only as a tribute to Brady’s extraordinary achievements but also as a reminder of the Patriots’ golden era under his leadership.

As fans posed for photos and chanted Brady’s name, the quarterback expressed gratitude for the decades of support.

“This isn’t just my statue,” Brady said. “It belongs to everyone who believed in me — my teammates, coaches, family, and the fans who made Foxborough feel like home.”

For Patriots supporters, the bronze figure is more than just a work of art — it’s a permanent symbol of the winning culture and unforgettable moments Brady brought to New England.

Source: AP News – Patriots unveil statue of Tom Brady, QB who led them to 6 Super Bowl wins, before exhibition opener

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Bill Belichick may not have coached a game yet for the North Carolina Tar Heels, but his new chapter is already grabbing headlines—this time off the field.

The legendary NFL coach pushed back Wednesday against how a recent interview with CBS Sunday Morning portrayed his relationship with 24-year-old girlfriend Jordon Hudson. The interview, centered on Belichick’s new book The Art of Winning, included a now-viral moment when Hudson cut in as reporter Tony Dokoupil asked how the couple first met.

Belichick, 73, issued a statement through the university, saying CBS strayed from what was supposed to be a football- and book-focused conversation.

“I was surprised when unrelated topics were introduced,” Belichick said, adding that he had “repeatedly expressed” to Dokoupil and the producers that he preferred to stay on topic. “Jordon, with whom I share both a personal and professional relationship, stepped in to help refocus the discussion.”

The coach clarified that Hudson wasn’t dodging any specific question, but rather ensuring the interview stayed aligned with their original intent. He also took issue with the editing, suggesting CBS crafted a misleading narrative.

“The final eight-minute segment doesn’t reflect the productive 35-minute conversation we had,” Belichick said. “Instead, it selectively shows a few minutes to suggest Jordon was controlling the conversation—which is simply not true.”

CBS responded later Wednesday, stating the interview was always intended to be wide-ranging and that “no preconditions or limitations” had been agreed upon.

During the interview, Belichick was asked how he handles public scrutiny of his personal life. His answer was straightforward:

“Never been too worried about what everybody else thinks,” he said. “Just trying to do what’s best for me and what’s right.”

As for the question that stirred the viral moment—how they met—Belichick shared on Wednesday that it was on a 2021 flight to Palm Beach, Florida. The timeline aligns with a post Hudson made earlier this year.

Hudson was described by CBS as a “constant presence” during filming, a detail that added to online speculation. However, Belichick insists the real story was lost in the editing room.

Belichick’s move to North Carolina marks his first college coaching job after decades of NFL dominance, including six Super Bowl wins as the New England Patriots’ head coach and two more as defensive coordinator for the New York Giants. He parted ways with the Patriots in January 2024 after a historic 24-year run.

Now in Chapel Hill, he’s focused on football—and clearly, on setting the record straight.

Source: CNN – Bill Belichick pushes back on claims about girlfriend Jordon Hudson following viral CBS interview

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The New England Patriots have officially named Mike Vrabel as their new head coach. The announcement was made Sunday morning, just a week after Patriots owner Robert Kraft fired Jerod Mayo following the team’s season-ending win over the Buffalo Bills. Mayo, in his first season as head coach, finished with a 4-13 record.

Vrabel, who spent eight seasons as a player with the Patriots, was the team’s preferred choice. During his time with New England, Vrabel was part of the first three Super Bowl-winning teams and earned a spot in the Patriots’ Hall of Fame in 2023. His deep connection with the franchise and his success as a coach in Tennessee made him an ideal candidate.

Other candidates for the head coach position included former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich, former Houston Texans offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton, and Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. However, Vrabel’s long-standing association with the Patriots and his impressive coaching career in Tennessee ultimately secured him the role.

At 49 years old, Vrabel arrives with a strong coaching resume, having served as head coach of the Tennessee Titans from 2018 to 2023. Over six seasons, he compiled a 56-48 record, including three consecutive playoff appearances and an AFC Championship game appearance in 2019. His leadership in Tennessee solidified his reputation as a coach who could relate to players, a key trait that Kraft values.

Mayo, who had been an assistant coach under Bill Belichick, was seen as a potential successor to the legendary coach. However, after a challenging first season with a young roster, Kraft determined that Mayo was not yet ready to be a head coach in the NFL. In contrast, Vrabel brings years of experience and a proven track record to the table.

Before rejoining the Patriots, Vrabel served as a consultant for the Cleveland Browns, but his contract expired, which opened the door for him to explore other opportunities. He also interviewed with the New York Jets and Chicago Bears, both of whom are still in search of coaches. While Vrabel was rumored to be a candidate for the Las Vegas Raiders job, he never interviewed for the position, despite his connection to Raiders minority owner Tom Brady.

Now, Vrabel returns to New England, where he will look to rebuild the franchise and restore its championship pedigree. With his leadership, the Patriots hope to rebound from a tough season and once again become a contender in the NFL.

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