Tom Brady's Patriots HOF induction gets even bigger with news of surprising return from polarizing guest
Tom Brady will walk into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in a matter of years. But while he waits out the five-year window to join Cantion, his short time away from the Patriots already has him set to be inducted into the franchise's Hall of Fame. That alone is a big deal, but news […]
Tom Brady will walk into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in a matter of years.
But while he waits out the five-year window to join Cantion, his short time away from the Patriots already has him set to be inducted into the franchise's Hall of Fame.
That alone is a big deal, but news of Bill Belichick's return to New England makes it even bigger:
Belichick set to make his return
Given Brady’s stature and all he meant to the Patriots, owner Robert Kraft and the organization wanted to find more meaningful ways to honor him. So during his halftime visit for the 2023 opener, Kraft announced that Brady will become the first player to have the waiting period waived for the Patriots Hall of Fame. Additionally, they’ll retire his number.
– Chad Graff, The Athletic
Brady last played for New England in 2019, meaning he would have needed to wait one more year before being eligible to join the Patriots Hall of Fame, which is taken much more seriously than many other teams. But seeing as he is widely viewed as teh GOAT, exceptions were made and he will enter the Hall of Fame early.
And while one would have to think that the guest list is at least looked at by the Kraft family, the announcement that Belichick is expected to be at Brady's induction suggests that either ownership decided to put their swords down, or maybe a truce has occurred.
The roast of Tom Brady saw Belichick and Kraft raise a toast, but even that had a touch of awkwardness to it. The event organizers seemingly aren't worried about another awkward scenario, or maybe they're banking on it, as it makes the event more marketable:
The response from Brady’s former teammates has been astounding. The team is expecting more than 200 of his former teammates to return to Foxboro for the event along with dozens of coaches and some A-list celebrities Brady has befriended.
Yes, that includes Bill Belichick. The former coach who split with the team in January hasn’t been back to Gillette since parting with the Pats. He is expected to be there Wednesday. – Chad Graff, The Athletic
The induction will begin at 7:00 p.m. eastern and is expected to last between two and three hours. It will be broadcast across Patriots social media and on the team website. A to Z Sports' Sophie Weller will be in attendance for all the coverage.
