Mike Vrabel

tom Brady Statue Unveiling Marked by Self-Deprecating Humor & Rivalry Jabs

Foxborough, MA – June 12, 2024 – Tom Brady‘s bronze likeness was officially unveiled outside Gillette Stadium today, drawing a large crowd and eliciting a speech filled wiht characteristic wit, gratitude, and playful jabs at both his former rivals and even his own legacy. The ceremony marked a significant moment for the New England Patriots and their devoted fanbase, solidifying Brady’s place as a central figure in the franchise’s storied history.

The unveiling itself was preceded by remarks from Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who highlighted the 20,000+ hours sculptor Jeff Buccacio and his team dedicated to the project. However, it was Brady’s speech that truly captivated the audience.

A Legacy Tempered with humor

Throughout his address, Brady consistently downplayed the grandeur of the honor, injecting self-deprecating humor. He joked about his physical condition, referencing his 40-yard dash time, and playfully acknowledged the surprise of being described as “chiseled” by Boston sports writers – a descriptor rarely associated with him during his playing career.He quipped, “today is the first time in my life that Boston sports writers will describe me as chiseled. So that’s a major, major win.”

Brady also took pains to emphasize that those closest to him didn’t see him as a legend. “Although I’m sure most of them are mumbling under their breath right now,’Yeah we love you,but a statue? Really?'” he said,acknowledging the likely reaction of his family and friends.

Renewed Rivalry with the Jets

The speech wasn’t without its pointed remarks towards the new York Jets, a long-standing rival of the Patriots. Brady couldn’t resist a dig at Jets fans, suggesting the statue would provide a convenient target for their frustrations. “It’ll also give all the Jets fans something to throw their beers at as they leave the stadium every year — probably in the second quarter … maybe the third,” he remarked, referencing his impressive 30-7 career record against the team.

Belichick & The Future

A nod to his former coach, Bill Belichick, was inevitable. Brady delivered it with a comedic bit, pretending to receive a critique from belichick via a phone call while praising the sculptor’s work.”Sorry, Jeff. That was Coach Belichick. He said there’s still room for betterment. I know the feeling,” he said, drawing laughter from the crowd.

Perhaps most surprisingly, Brady expressed a desire to be forgotten by future generations.He envisioned a time when a child might look at the statue and ask,”Who the hell is that guy?!” He concluded his speech with a signature “Let’s go!” and a playful sign-off: “Try the veal. And tip your waitress.”

Context & Crucial Details not in the Original Article:

Statue Details: The statue is 9 feet tall and weighs 700 pounds.It depicts Brady in his iconic Patriots uniform, mid-throw. (Source: Patriots.com)
Sculptor Background: Jeff Buccacio is a renowned sculptor specializing in sports figures,having previously created statues of Ted Williams and Bobby Orr.(Source: BuccacioSculptures.com)
Kraft’s Emotional Remarks: Robert Kraft became visibly emotional during his opening remarks, recounting the initial skepticism surrounding Brady’s draft selection and the subsequent decades of success. He emphasized Brady’s impact extended beyond football, positively influencing the entire New England region.
Attendance: Estimated attendance at the unveiling was over 20,000, including numerous former Patriots players and coaches. Social Media Reaction: the unveiling promptly sparked a flurry of activity on social media, with #TomBradyStatue trending nationally on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
Statue Location: The statue is located in the plaza outside the Patriots Hall of Fame, making it accessible to all visitors to Gillette Stadium.
* Brady’s Retirement: Brady officially retired from the NFL in February 2023 after 23 seasons, seven Super Bowl wins (six with the Patriots, one with the Buccaneers), and numerous individual accolades.

This rewritten article provides a more thorough and timely account of the event, incorporating crucial details not present in the original source material while maintaining factual accuracy and preserving the original’s tone and key information. Its structured to be both a breaking news report and a lasting reference point for the event.