Patriots Ex Tom Brady Reacts to Tribute: 'Lot of Gratitude'

Legendary New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady recently spoke about his upcoming retirement celebration on his "Let's Go" Podcast.

The New England Patriots season-opener on Sunday versus the Philadelphia Eagles will be an exciting event in multiple ways. 

Not only will the new season kickoff, which will allow fans to see what the Patriots offense will look like with new offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien. It will also be a time of celebration for arguably the greatest football player of all time, and certainly the greatest Patriot of all time, quarterback Tom Brady.

After the legendary quarterback decided to call it quits on his career, for the second and final time, after 22 seasons in the NFL, he will return to Foxboro for the first time since playing against the Patriots back in 2021 as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

With the celebration just days away, Brady recently opened up about his feelings ahead of his return to New England.

"A lot of gratitude," Brady said on his "Let's Go" Podcast. "I had two decades of incredible life-changing, altering experiences. I have so many memories from my time there. To go back to that stadium and bring my kids and my family in a different way. I've not been to that stadium in this way, ever. I went there as a player. I went there once as a competitor. And now I'm going to go there really as a fan, and then I'm going to be there in the future as a broadcaster."

Brady is alluding to his new career as an analyst for Fox Sports, a deal that he signed with the broadcast network he reversed his decision to retire two offseasons ago. As many would expect, after 23 years on an NFL football field, transitioning into the commentary booth is a big one.

"I think there's a lot of cool things happening," Brady said about his transition. "Again, I think part of life is growing in different ways, expanding in different ways, trying new things and getting outside of your comfort zone. It's OK. Even the expectations I have for myself."

Yet, just like he did on the gridiron after being taken in the sixth-round by the Patriots in the 2000 NFL Draft, Brady said he is going to "work really hard" to be the best in his new job. 

Despite Sunday being the first time that the 46-year-old will walk into Gillette Stadium without the expectations of putting on the shoulder pads and helmet, he doesn't believe being a "fan" will be difficult.

"I don't think it's going to be hard to be a fan, though," Brady said. "I love the sport, and love the Patriots. So, going up there to see a lot of my friends and family is going to be a great experience.”

---