Brady Gave Patriots Fans the Homecoming They Were Waiting to See

Brady arrives for Gronkowski’s honor

Brady came to Massachusetts on Saturday, ahead of the Patriots Hall of Fame ceremony for Rob Gronkowski. He could have arrived Sunday before the 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff, but attended the event in person, wearing a red jacket.

Fans welcome the former quarterback

A longtime Patriots fan said Brady’s decision to attend Gronkowski’s ceremony mattered because he could have been anywhere. The fan also pointed to Brady’s close ties with Gronkowski, Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola.

The same fan said Brady’s absence during the Patriots’ Week 5 game against the Raiders had been disappointing. That weekend honored kicker Adam Vinatieri and New England’s 2001 Super Bowl–winning team. The fan said Brady’s investment in the Raiders did not change his loyalty, but wished he had stayed associated with the Patriots’ colors.

A return during the broadcast

On Sunday, Brady called Patriots-Packers with Kevin Burkhardt. The Packers won 45–27. Brady walked the field with Fox’s broadcast crew and met former teammates, including Troy Brown, as well as current Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.

Before kickoff, the Patriots marked the 10-year anniversary of their 28–3 comeback against the Falcons in Super Bowl LI. Brady remained in the Fox booth, where he appeared on the stadium jumbotron and mouthed, “Thank you,” as fans stood.

Brady reflects on the weekend

After halftime, Burkhardt remarked on Brady’s return to Foxborough. Brady called it “nostalgic,” and spoke about seeing former teammates and honoring Gronkowski the day before. Brady also greeted Robert Kraft, whom he said was watching from home. His presence across the two-day visit gave fans a chance to welcome him at both Gronkowski’s ceremony and the game.