Tom Brady Makes Gillette Stadium Return After Retirement: ‘I’m a Patriot for Life’
Tom Brady was honored at Gillette Stadium on Sunday as the Patriots hosted the Philadelphia Eagles.
Brady ran onto the field to a cheerful crowd that was standing around despite the rain that had been lashing the Northeast all weekend.
Brady, who led the Patriots to six Super Bowl titles, declared himself a “Patriot for life.”
“Nobody would have thought 23 years ago that this journey would bring us here today,” Brady said.
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Former New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady runs on the field during halftime ceremonies to honor him at a game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Patriots on Sunday, September 10, 2023, in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
“Our whole life takes us on different journeys. They take us to different places, they bring different people into our lives,” he added. “But one thing I am sure of – and this will never change – is that I am a patriot for life.”
Brady was the Patriots’ quarterback from 1999 to 2019. He left after the Pats were eliminated from the 2019-20 playoffs. He joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and led the Bucs to the Super Bowl title. Brady never made it back to the NFC Championship in either of his final two seasons.
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Former New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (right) points to the audience as Patriots owner Robert Kraft addresses the crowd during the halftime ceremony Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)
He “finally” retired after the 2022 season.
Patriots team owner Robert Kraft said he wanted to give fans a chance to properly thank Brady.
“The run out was a little longer today than before. I’m not quite in game shape,” Brady said. “But it’s impossible for me to be in that stadium … and not run out like I did for 20 years.”
Kraft said he would waive the franchise’s four-year waiting period for Brady and induct him into the Patriots Hall of Fame next year.
Former New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (right) hugs Patriots owner Robert Kraft (center) while Patriots president Jonathan Kraft during halftime ceremonies honoring Brady at a game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Patriots on Sunday, April 10. September 2023, watching Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)
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Brady is the all-time leader in passing touchdowns (649) and passing yards (89,214).