Toucher & Rich: Details leak about Patriots’ planned tribute for Tom Brady
During yesterday’s Toucher & Rich radio program, Evan Lazar from Patriots.com spilled the beans about the much-anticipated “Tom Brady Day.” and might’ve just let slip that we could expect more Tom Brady appearances down the line. The information was flowing so freely that even the hosts had to play catch-up, with Rich trying to pin down if the tribute would happen at halftime or pre-game.
Of course, Fred, Rich and Wallach were quick to give Evan a hard time about letting the cat out of the bag, with Wallach quickly reminding Evan that there’s no turning back once you’ve spilled the beans on the air.
As the discussion continued, the idea of retiring Brady’s number and potential future appearances swirled in the air. Evan’s candidness had opened the door to speculations and Fred suggested the Patriots having “Tom Brady Day” in every season, no matter the weather.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – AUGUST 29: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots looks on from the bench during the preseason game between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Back in May, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft announced that Tom Brady will be honored at the team’s 2023 home opener against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 10th. Kraft invited Brady to the opening game to allow fans to express their gratitude. The kickoff time for the game is 4:25 p.m. ET. Brady, who retired after 23 seasons, is excited to return and celebrate with the fans. This event marks the start of several celebrations planned to honor Tom Brady.
TRANSCRIPT:
Rich: Are you hearing anything about how they’re going to pay tribute to Tom Brady during that game?
Evan Lazar: Yeah – Patriots fans will be excited about what they’re planning on doing not only this time, but I can say that I think that this isn’t going to be the only time that Tom Brady is here and paying tribute to Tom Brady. So it will be streamed live. I know a lot of the time they throw back to like a studio or whatever for those halftime shows and the national broadcast. But we’ll carry it live on Patriots.com so you can watch it even if you’re not in the stadium.
Rich: So it’s happening at halftime.
Evan Lazar: I believe so. Sorry, I shouldn’t have said that. I don’t know if it’s halftime or if it’s pre-game.
Fred: That you had to let the cat out of the bag is what I think.
Wallach: Can’t take it back now.
Fred: I think that you’ve said too much. Now is the time to stay silent.
Rich: So I’m sorry, but you said this is not the only time Tom Brady will be back this season.
Wallach: I don’t think so, No. I think they’re trying to open the door for many things. But I probably have said too much, so I should probably leave it at that.
Rich: So they announce that they’re retiring his number and then they retire his number later….
Evan Lazar: I didn’t say that. That’s you talking
Fred: If I were the Patriots, I just have Tom Brady Day in the winter.
Wallach: It’s kind of hanging around.
Fred: In the spring. I mean and I’d have him as much as he would show up. So I don’t blame them
LISTEN HERE:
The full list of jersey numbers retired by the New England Patriots
Gino Cappelletti: 20
Gino Gappelletti at a Patriots Hall of Fame induction. (Courtesy of the New England Patriots)
Known as “Mr. Patriot,” Gino Cappelletti was a prominent wide receiver in the 1960s, earning 5 all-star selections, 5 AFL scoring titles, 4 second-team All-AFL selections, and the league MVP award in 1964. He was inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame in 1992.
Mike Haynes: 40
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 03: SiriusXM host and NFL Hall of Fame QB Fran Tarkenton (R) broadcasts live from Radio Row during Super Bowl XLVI Week in Indianapolis with guest Mike Haynes at the JW Marriott on February 3, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
With a remarkable career, Mike Haynes achieved 9 Pro Bowl selections, 6 second-team All-Pro honors, and 2 first-team All-Pro honors as a Patriots cornerback. Part of the NFL’s 100th-anniversary team, he entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1997.
Andre Tippett: 56
CANTON, OH – AUGUST 2: Andre Tippett of the New England Patriots salutes fans during the Class of 2008 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at Fawcett Stadium on August 2, 2008 in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
Outstanding linebacker Andre Tippett enjoyed a remarkable 12-year NFL career with the Patriots, garnering 100 career sacks and holding a two-year sack record of 35. He earned accolades including the 1985 Defensive Player of the Year and currently serves as the Executive Director of Community Affairs for the Patriots. He’s also a Pro Football Hall of Famer and coaches a local youth football team.
Steve Nelson: 57
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 28: A general view of Gillette Stadium before the game between the Buffalo Bills and the New England Patriots on December 28, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
Recognized as a top tackler for the Patriots, Steve Nelson led the team in tackles for 8 of his 14 seasons and earned 3 Pro Bowl selections, one first-team All-Pro selection, and one second-team All-Pro selection. He entered the Patriots Hall of Fame in 1993.
John Hannah: 73
CANTON, OH – AUGUST 2: Andre Tippett, John Hannah (center) and owner Robert Kraft (right) of the New England Patriots pose with Tippett’s bust after his induction during the Class of 2008 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at Fawcett Stadium on August 2, 2008 in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
Considered among the greatest guards in NFL history, John Hannah amassed an illustrious career with 7 first-team All-Pro selections, 3 second-team All-Pro selections, and 9 Pro Bowl selections. He entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991 and was also chosen for the NFL’s 100th-anniversary team.
Bruce Armstrong: 78
25 Oct 1998: Tackle Bruce Armstrong #78 of the New England Patriots looks on during the game against the Miami Dolphins at the Pro Player Stadium in Miami, Florida. The Dolphins defeated the Patriots 12-9.
Throughout his 13-year career, Bruce Armstrong proved to be a dependable offensive tackle with 3 second-team All-Pro selections and 6 Pro Bowl selections. Remaining loyal to the Patriots, he was inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame in 2001.
Jim Lee Hunt: 79
FOXBORO, MA – DECEMBER 04: A general view during the first half of the game between the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams at Gillette Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Known as “Earthquake,” Jim Lee Hunt was a disruptive defensive tackle in the 1960s, securing 4 AFL All-Star selections and 4 second-team All-Pro selections during his 10-year career with the Patriots. He joined the Patriots Hall of Fame in 1993.
Bob Dee: 89
FOXBOROUGH, MA – OCTOBER 04: A general view before the game between the Indianapolis Colts and the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on October 4, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
Achieving 4 AFL All-Star selections and 4 second-team All-Pro selections, Bob Dee notably scored the AFL’s first points by recovering a fumble for a touchdown in 1960. Despite being a 19th-round pick in 1955, he defied expectations and entered the Patriots Hall of Fame in 1993.
