TOM BRADY has poked fun at himself for being “old” and “chiseled” as his jaw-dropping 12-foot bronze statute was unveiled.
The ceremony took place ahead of the New England Patriot’s pre-season opener against the Washington Commanders on Friday.
Brady said: “Today is the first time in my life that Boston sports writers will describe me as chiseled, so that’s a major, major win,
“Usually they don’t build statues until you’re really old, like [Mike] Vrabel and [Teddy] Bruschi,
Brady also joked about imagining his family and friends’ reaction to the ceremony, adding: “Yeah, we love you, but a statue, really?”
He added that the “statue isn’t just for Pats fans.
“It will also give Jets fans something to throw their beers at as they leave the stadium every year,
“Probably in the second quarter. Maybe the third.”
Tom Brady is widely considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.
He achieved numerous records and accolades throughout his glittering 23-year career.
He is most known for his record-setting seven Super Bowl wins, with six of those coming with the Patriots.
He has won five Super Bowl MVP awards as well as three NFL MVP awards.
And Patriots owner Robert Kraft paid some touching words to his former player.
He said: “On a personal note, after my family, there is no human being on the planet I love and respect as much as you,’ Kraft said of Brady.
“Tommy, you have not only etched your name in NFL history. You’ve etched it in all our hearts,
“And now your likeness will forever stand tall here at Gillette Stadium, just like you did – standing tall, poised, and laser-focused.
“People may forget what’s said tonight, but may this statue forever remind us what Tom Brady did and how he made us all feel.”
Brady added: “Look, I know what this statue represents. It’s not about one guy. It never is, it never has been,
“And in football, it never will be. It’s about a team, and a commitment to being great together.
“This is quite overwhelming, obviously, and I just thank you so much for being here,
“It means the world to me. I appreciate it. Thank you. As [Kraft] just said it perfectly, people will never forget how you made them feel. Right now, I feel extremely honored.”
