WATCH: Patriots Unveil First 'Keeper of the Lighthouse' vs. Eagles
FOXBORO — The New England Patriots prodigal son has returned to inaugurate a new ear at Gillette Stadium.
The Pats welcomed legendary quarterback Tom Brady back Foxboro in a “special” way, as Brady stood atop the Stadium’s new lighthouse structure and rang the edifice into duty — adding “keeper of the lighthouse” to his illustrious resume.
In addition to hosting the Philadelphia Eagles for their Week 1 matchup on Sunday, the Patriots organization is set to honor Brady with halftime ceremonies — commemorating the 20 successful seasons Brady spent wearing Patriot blue.
Brady entered the NFL as the 199th overall selection by the Patriots in the 2000 NFL Draft. The Michigan product ascended to the starting position in his second year with the team, in the aftermath of a devastating injury to then-starter Drew Bledsoe. In his first year as a starter, Brady led the Patriots to their first ever championship. He would go on to win five additional titles in New England, with his last coming as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020.
Led by third-year quarterback (and two-time team captain) Mac Jones, the Patriots are hoping to show marked improvement from an 8-9 finish to their 2022 campaign. The task at hand is a tall one, as the Pats welcome the defending NFL Champion-Eagles to Foxboro. Behind quarterback Jalen Hurts, the Eagles boast one of the most versatile offenses in the NFL. They also employ a stifling defense, which led the league with 69.5 sacks last season.
The Pats mission was made even more difficult as the team announced that three offensive starters - receiver DeVante Parker and offensive linemen Cole Strange and Mike Onwenu - are inactive and will miss the game.
Also on New England's inactives list: Linebacker Anfernee Jennings, defensive tackle Sam Roberts and cornerback Shaun Wade.
