FOXBORO, Mass. — One of the greatest careers in NFL history is getting a permanent tribute. The New England Patriots are set to unveil a statue of legendary quarterback Tom Brady on Friday night before their preseason opener against the Washington Commanders, according to a report from ESPN.
The statue, which will stand 12 feet tall outside Gillette Stadium, commemorates Brady’s incredible 20-year tenure with the Patriots — a stretch that saw him lead the franchise to six Super Bowl championships, transform a once-overlooked team into a global brand, and redefine the quarterback position.
The unveiling will take place during a special ceremony in the hours leading up to kickoff. Brady, along with Patriots owner Robert Kraft, is expected to speak during the event as fans, teammates, and the entire football world reflect on his unparalleled impact on the game.
“This isn’t just about honoring an athlete,” Kraft said earlier this year. “It’s about celebrating a legacy that brought joy, pride, and hope to millions of people — in New England and beyond.”
From Sixth-Round Pick to NFL Immortal
Brady’s journey is one of the most well-known underdog stories in sports. Drafted 199th overall in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft, he arrived in Foxboro with little fanfare. Yet by 2001, following an injury to starting quarterback Drew Bledsoe, Brady took over — and never looked back.
That same season, Brady led the Patriots to a stunning upset over the heavily favored St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI, securing the team’s first-ever championship. It was the beginning of an unmatched dynasty. Over the next two decades, Brady led New England to nine Super Bowl appearances, winning six of them and earning four Super Bowl MVP awards in the process.
He also set countless records during his time with the Patriots, including:
Most wins by a quarterback (219 with New England)
Most Super Bowl appearances (9 with Patriots)
Most postseason wins (30 with Patriots)
Numerous franchise and NFL records in passing yards and touchdowns
A Legacy Beyond Numbers
While the numbers speak volumes, Brady’s legacy in New England is just as defined by his leadership, poise, and relentless competitive drive. He became the embodiment of the Patriots’ culture — discipline, preparation, and excellence.
Brady’s impact wasn’t confined to the field. His work ethic and dedication made him a role model for teammates and an icon in the community. From charitable efforts to locker room leadership, he helped transform the Patriots into not just a winning franchise, but a standard of excellence in professional sports.
The Statue: A Symbol of an Era
The 12-foot statue outside Gillette Stadium will serve as a tribute to that era — one that may never be replicated. It will become a destination for fans, a reminder of the championships, comebacks, and unforgettable moments that defined two decades of dominance.
Designed to capture Brady in classic form, the statue is expected to show the quarterback mid-throw, wearing his iconic No. 12 jersey. The unveiling will cap off a week of celebrations leading up to the Patriots’ preseason debut and will no doubt be an emotional night for fans across the region.
The Beginning of Forever
While Brady finished his playing career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, including another Super Bowl victory, his legacy is forever tied to New England. The upcoming statue ceremony reinforces what fans have long believed — Tom Brady isn’t just the greatest Patriot of all time — he’s the heart and soul of an unforgettable era.
As the crowd gathers Friday night, it won’t just be about the past. It’ll be about gratitude, legacy, and the timeless reminder that greatness, once found, never fades.
