Getty Image / Maddie Meyer
The New England Patriots are set to play a ‘Thank You Tom Game’ in Week 1 when the Philadelphia Eagles travel to Gillette Stadium, a night that will pay tribute to Tom Brady.
Speaking with Boston Herald Patriots beat reporter Doug Kyed, Bill Belichick didn’t hold back when singing the praises of Tom Brady. Belichick heaped praise on Tom for the contributions to the organization, to his own career, and the NFL.
He also went on to astutely point out that just 1 night of tribute could never be enough for Tom Brady, but they have to start somewhere, right?
Bill Belichick's full quote on the Patriots honoring Tom Brady in Week 1.
Needless to say, Belichick thinks pretty highly of the ex-Patriots QB. pic.twitter.com/BwxTVZuEQv
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) August 21, 2023
Belichick’s full quote from Doug Kyed’s tweet above is:
“I’ve spoken to Tom a couple of times. Always look forward to talking to Tom and what a great experience and opportunity it was for me to coach Tom.
Tremendous appreciation for everything he did for me, did for our team, everything he gave us. Look forward to seeing him. Sounds like he’s moving on to a very successful career in broadcasting and whatever else he decides to do. He’s a pretty talented guy, I’m sure he’ll do well in whatever he chooses to do, whatever area that is. So, look forward to seeing him and I’m sure there will be a lot of excitement at the game, in the stands as there should be.
He’s done an awful lot for this organization, for this franchise, for this city, the National Football League. One night’s really not enough, anywhere close to being enough for the appreciation for what Tom deserves.”
It is VERY hard to imagine that this will be the only time the New England Patriots and Robert Kraft pay tribute to Tom Brady. He’s not only their greatest franchise player but he’s the greatest player in NFL history if you’re counting rings.
Someone in the Twitter replies suggested they should rename the facility to ‘Tom Brady Field at Gillette Stadium,’ suggesting that a statue of Tom Brady isn’t nearly enough. One would think that tribute is going to happen at some point as long as the team’s Gillette partnership doesn’t prohibit it.
Robert Kraft is amped for the ‘Thank You Tom Game’ and Patriots fans still have a chance to win tickets to the game via the Pats’ website:
“The greatest player in the history of the game played right here in Foxboro, and I’m happy to tell you…I invited him back to come here and be with us at the opening game.”
Robert Kraft on honoring @TomBrady at @GilletteStadium. pic.twitter.com/Dg4Aq2TXvq
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) May 11, 2023
It will certainly be a tough night for visiting Eagles to overcome the atmosphere.