Current:Home > StocksTom Brady's No. 12 'is now officially retired' by New England Patriots -NextGenWealth
Tom Brady's No. 12 'is now officially retired' by New England Patriots
View
Date:2025-04-11 16:26:40
Tom Brady was inducted into the New England Patriots' Hall of Fame on Wednesday night, but that wasn't the only honor he received in the ceremony at Gillette Stadium.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft revealed that Brady's No. 12 "is now officially retired."
"There is only one iconic number that will always represent Tom Brady, and tonight, I promise it will never be worn again," Kraft said.
Brady appeared to be moved to tears by the announcement as fans cheered.
Kraft also promised that a statue of Brady would be unveiled at the stadium later this year, per reporters covering the event. Appropriately, it is slated to be 12 feet tall.
All things Patriots: Latest New England Patriots news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.
The celebration of Brady's legendary 20-year run with the Patriots — he won six Super Bowl championships in Foxborough, in case you forgot — brought a number of football luminaries to the stadium. Peyton Manning was there, as was Hall of Fame receiver Randy Moss, who was brought to tears by the standing ovation he received in a moving moment.
Longtime coach Bill Belichick and former teammate Drew Bledsoe, who both took part in Brady's Netflix roast, were also among those in attendance. Bledsoe produced some laughs when he called Brady "the worst backup quarterback in the history of the NFL."
"You never understood that when I got healthy, you're supposed to sit the hell down," Bledsoe cracked.
Belichick thanked Brady for everything he did for the coach, the team and for "the example and model that you've been for all of us on a daily basis for 20 years.
"You're unbelievable. Congratulations."
Brady, who told fans "it feels good to be home," also had high praise for Belichick and the historic partnership they forged together.
"It wasn't me. It wasn't you. It was us," Brady said, according to reporters.
"Let me make this crystal clear — there is no coach in the world I would rather play for."
Brady left the Patriots after the 2019 season and Belichick — who never won a playoff game in New England without Brady — parted ways with the organization earlier this year. But at least Wednesday night, any bad blood that lingered between Brady, Belichick and Kraft over the demise of the Patriots' dynasty appeared to be cast aside in a night of celebration of the greatest football run we've ever seen.
veryGood! (94)
Related
- In ‘Nickel Boys,’ striving for a new way to see
- Inter Miami vs. New York Red Bulls recap: Messi scores electric goal in 2-0 victory
- Kelly Rowland Gushing Over Blue Ivy's Work Ethic May Just Break Your Soul in the Best Possible Way
- Maui wildfires: More than 100 people on unaccounted for list say they're OK
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- Former Olympian Alexandra Paul killed in car crash at 31, Skate Canada says
- Former 2-term Republican Tennessee Gov. Don Sundquist dies at 87
- Final round of 2023 Tour Championship resumes after play suspended due to weather
- Can Bill Belichick turn North Carolina into a winner? At 72, he's chasing one last high
- On the March on Washington's 60th anniversary, watch how CBS News covered the Civil Rights protest in 1963
Ranking
- Selena Gomez's "Weird Uncles" Steve Martin and Martin Short React to Her Engagement
- Kate Spade 24-Hour Flash Deal: Get This $300 Crossbody Bag for Just $89
- Kentucky high school teens charged with terroristic threats after TikTok challenge
- Spanish soccer player rejects official's defiance after unsolicited kiss
- Who are the most valuable sports franchises? Forbes releases new list of top 50 teams
- Biden and Harris will meet with King’s family on 60th anniversary of the March on Washington
- Aaron Rodgers connects with WR Garrett Wilson for touchdown in Jets debut
- Taylor Swift Shows Support for BFF Selena Gomez in the Sweetest Way After Single Soon Release
Recommendation
Behind on your annual reading goal? Books under 200 pages to read before 2024 ends
Little League World Series championship game: Time, TV channel, live stream, score, teams
Texas takeover raises back-to-school anxiety for Houston students, parents and teachers
Dolphins-Jaguars game suspended after Miami rookie Daewood Davis gets carted off field
New Mexico governor seeks funding to recycle fracking water, expand preschool, treat mental health
From tarantulas to tigers, watch animals get on the scale for London Zoo's annual weigh-in
Longtime voice of Nintendo's Mario character is calling it quits
MLK Jr.'s daughter reflects on her father’s ‘I have a dream’ speech: 5 Things podcast