Tom Brady gives brutally honest reaction as Patriots unveil 12-foot statue of New England legend to fans

Once slighted for his wiry frame at the NFL draft combine a quarter century earlier, Tom Brady couldn’t help but smile as the New England Patriots unveiled his statue in Foxborough before Friday’s preseason opener against the Washington Commanders.

‘Today is the first time in my life that Boston sports writers will describe me as chiseled, so that’s a major, major win,’ joked the 48-year-old, who admittedly felt ‘old’ to see his bronze likeness immortalized outside Gilette Stadium.

‘Usually they don’t build statues until you’re really old, like [Mike] Vrabel and [Teddy] Bruschi,’ Brady joked, referring to his former teammates.

The Patriots had previously retired Brady’s No. 12, but went a step further in honoring the franchise icon by recreating his likeness with a 12-foot bronze statue. The sculpture has not been publicly identified but has been described as ‘local.’

Brady famously went from Drew Bledsoe’s backup to a six-time Super Bowl winner with the Patriots before moving on to Tampa Bay for his seventh ring with the Buccaneers. Still, the most successful player in NFL history will always be identified with the Patriots after winning 17 division titles in 18 seasons as a starter in New England.

Of course, any statue of a famous figure lends itself to ridicule. A bust of soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo at a Portuguese airport was such an eyesore it was ultimately replaced a year later.

Other statues honoring New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur, Boston Red Sox legend Ted Williams and Chicago Bulls icon Michael Jordan remain popular among sports fans, although a 2024 attempt to recreate Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade continues to be mocked more than a year later.

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