The New England Patriots Officially Retire Tom Brady’s Iconic Jersey Number

The New England Patriots have officially retired Tom Brady’s iconic No. 12 jersey.

Brady was honored by his former team at Sunday’s opener between the Patriots and the Eagles at Gillette Stadium. The seven-time Super Bowl winner appeared during halftime in front of 65,000 screaming fans, alongside his three children. “Nobody 23 years ago would imagine that this journey would bring us here today,” Brady addressed the crowd.

“I’m not quite in game shape, but it’s impossible for me to be in a stadium full of you amazing fans with some of the best teammates, with my family, with all my friends and not run out like I did for 20 years,” the NFL star continued. “All our lives take us on different journeys, they take us to different places, they bring different people into our lives. But one thing I am sure of and that will never change: and that's that I am a Patriot for life.”

During the ceremony, Patriots owner Robert Kraft revealed that he’ll be expediting the standard waiting period for induction into the Patriots Hall of Fame. Brady will be sworn in on June 12, 2024, or 6/12/24. The date is significant: six represents the titles he won, and 12 represents his number.

“Patriots fans didn’t get an opportunity to appropriately thank Tom when he left,” Kraft said. “I wanted to give them that opportunity. Unfortunately, a halftime ceremony just doesn’t provide enough time to honor Tommy the way he deserves.”

Just before kickoff, Brady ran onto the field and ripped his jacket off to reveal his No. 12 jersey, before sprinting down the sidelines to Jay-Z’s “Public Service Announcement,” as he’s done so many times before at Gillette. He defiantly pumped his fist and screamed his de facto catchphrase, “Let’s fucking go!” as the crowd championed him.

Speaking to CBS Sports’ Tracy Wolfson after the game, Brady admitted that, while watching opening day from the stands was “not as fun as playing,” there’s no feeling better than returning home. “I had 20 amazing years here. There's no better place for me to be on opening day in the NFL than to be here with these fans. I'm so grateful for their support and the love they've given me.”

You can watch the complete ceremony below.