Tom Brady’s Hall of Fame status in New England has never been in question.
But now, the organization’s best quarterback doesn’t have to wait that long to get there.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who joined Brady for the team’s season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, announced that he would pass on Brady’s normally four-year induction into the team’s Hall of Fame. Waiting period.
Brady will be officially hired next summer, a date that coincides with No. 12’s sixth Super Bowl win.
“One thing I know for sure and will never change is that I am a lifelong patriot,” Brady told the crowd, which then erupted into chants of his name. Mike Rice, ESPN.
Brady has spent nearly his entire career with the Patriots, who first drafted him out of Michigan in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL draft. He won six Super Bowls with the team. His first was in the 2001 season, which was only his second season in the league, and his last was in the 2018 season. Brady ended up playing three seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, finishing his career and earning his seventh and final Super Bowl ring before retiring.
Brady threw for 74,571 yards and 541 touchdowns, leading the Patriots to a 219-64 record.
Brady returns to New England on Sunday for the Patriots’ opener against the Eagles. He rang the stadium bell before the game and was honored at halftime.
Brady signed a huge deal with Fox before retiring and is expected to join the network’s broadcast studio in 2024.
Brady will be eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame for the first time in 2028, as the organization has a five-year waiting period. While the Hall of Fame is unlikely to adjust the waiting period like Kraft did, Brady will certainly be inducted when eligible.