Watch the QB’s induction into the team’s Hall of Fame

Watch highlights playing on Gillette Stadium’s new video board before the ceremony:

Brady, wearing No. 12, took a lap on the sideline as fans cheered during Jay-Z’s “Public Service Announcement.”

Patriots owner Robert Kraft kicked off the celebration by announcing that Brady will be inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame on June 12, 2024, in a special ceremony in Gillette.

“When Tom left, Patriots fans didn’t get a chance to properly thank him,” Kraft said. “I wanted to give them that opportunity. Unfortunately, the halftime ceremony didn’t provide enough time to honor Tommy in the way he deserved.”

Brady thanked his teammates and family before declaring, “I’ve been a Patriot my entire life.”

What Tom Brady said during Sunday’s ceremony

The following is a transcript of Brady’s speech:

“Thank you. Thank you guys. What a great day. You know, it took a little longer to run out today than it used to. I wasn’t in the best shape. But there’s no way I could be here in a world full of you amazing fans, some of the best in the stadium with my teammates, my family, all my friends without being drained like I have been for the last 20 years.

“It’s been an incredible celebration for me, for our family, for my teammates, for all of us, thank you for everything you’ve done for us. I’m so lucky to be here 20 years ago, Being drafted 23 years ago to be exact, I didn’t even know where New England was on the map. It’s not that we put it on the map, but I think more Americans know where the New England Patriots are Where to play ball.

“Thank you, RKK (Robert Kraft), JK (Jonathan Kraft), the Kraft family, Coach Belichick, all the staff, coaches, my teammates, your fans. 23 years ago, No one could have imagined that this journey would lead us to where we are today. We have won six championships in this stadium and have countless memories – celebrating wins against great teams in Foxborough weather like today, we love , like to see opponents come in, but a little worried about the situation of the game.

“We dealt with anything that came our way. We went through a lot of adversity and it made us stronger. As a team, we represent you every time we take the field. That’s one of my core beliefs – nothing in life Important things are what individuals can accomplish. It’s all about the team.

“We have a culture of teammates and care about two things. They care about each other and they care about winning. If you don’t care about those two things, you’re not going to be here long. We’re excited to play you. So I Think we proved to America what teamwork means. We proved that, believe in each other, believe in fighting for this community, believe in fighting for a common mission, we were able to pull down six of those banners and celebrate them in this stadium.

“Our lives take us on different journeys. They take us to different places. They bring different people into our lives. But one thing I know for sure and will never change is that I am a lifelong patriot.

“Thank you for an incredible day. Thank you to my teammates, some of whom I’ve met here, to my family, to my friends, to my second family, to all of you, for having me in this stadium Another day I will never forget. I love you all so much. I will see you next summer. Thank you.”

Read the full story on Brady’s return here.

A new tradition at Gillette Stadium?

Brady kicked off the day by ringing a bell at the top of the new lighthouse located at the north end of the stadium.

The Patriots posted a video on social media calling Brady the first “Keeper of Light” — meaning it could become a new tradition.


Katie McInerney can be reached at katie.mcinerney@globe.com.follow her @k8tmac. Conor Ryan can be contacted at conor.ryan@globe.com.

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