While much of Boston will be focused on Game 3 of the NBA Finals tonight as the Celtics look to take an insurmountable 3-0 series lead over the Dallas Mavericks, another important event will be taking place.
The New England Patriots will officially honor Tom Brady this evening in a much-anticipated ceremony at Gillette Stadium.
While most fans are wondering why in the world owner Robert Kraft wouldn’t hold such a special event in a “dead month” such as July, the fact is the Patriots chose “6/12” for a reason.
Of course, six Super Bowl titles with the Patriots to go along with Brady’s famous #12 … Ain’t that cute?
However, if they were to acknowledge Brady’s seventh Super Bowl title, the event would have fell on July 12th, which would have made much more sense for everyone.
Regardless, here we are…
It’s sure to be a special event. According to reports, “hundreds” of Brady’s former Patriots teammates are expected to attend.
Among the names are Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman, Drew Bledsoe, David Andrews, Deion Branch, Matt Cassel, Patrick Chung, Kevin Faulk, Brian Hoyer, Dan Koppen, Ty Law, Logan Mankins, Devin McCourty, Willie McGinest, Randy Moss, Rob Ninkovich, Matthew Slater, Wes Welker, James White, and Vince Wilfork.
Naturally, many are wondering if the man most responsible for helping Brady reach the heights he did will also be in attendance.
Of course, I’m referring to Bill Belichick, who was fired by Kraft after the 2023 season. (They can call it a “mutually parting of ways” all they want, but we’re smarter than that.)
Well, the answer to that question is YES!
Belichick is expected to be in attendance when Brady is honored this evening.
While the frostiness between the two legends is undoubtedly real, there is – and always will be – tons of mutual respect.
The recent “Roast of Tom Brady” did a whole lot to break the ice between Brady and Belichick – let alone others in the organization.
The event will begin at 7pm and will be hosted by NBC’s Mike Tirico. It’s expected to last 2 1/2 hours and will follow a similar format to previous Patriots Hall of Fame events but on a much larger scale.
“The team is expected to have a panel of former teammates telling stories about Brady, his career and their time together,” Chad Graff of The Athletics reported.
“Belichick, too, will presumably take the mic and share some tales of his own. Then Kraft will speak and welcome Brady to the podium,” Graff added.
Brady’s induction will be historic, as he becomes the first Patriots player to have the four-year wait period waived, making him the 35th inductee into the Patriots Hall of Fame.
Notably, comedian Bill Burr is expected to attend and assumingly take the mic.
Unfortunately for all of us, it’s considered unlikely that Ben Affleck will be able to make it.
What are your thoughts on Brady’s special evening?
Are you surprised that Belichick will be in attendance? … Or do you think the bridge has been fully rebuilt between the two?
Is Brady indeed the greatest football player of all-time?
Finally, I must ask: Are we sure that he’s retired for good???