Jeff Carey is a veteran reporter covering sports and architecture. He was the founding editor of the Minneapolis Mini Times, a local paper with a circulation of more than 500,000. He divides his time between the east and west coast.
FOXBOROUGH, MA - His Holiness Pope Francis made a special trip to Gillette Stadium today to officially induct legendary quarterback Tom Brady into the New England Patriots Hall of Fame.
The ceremony began with the Pope leading an interfaith prayer service on the field, giving thanks for Brady's iconic career and asking for blessings upon the Patriots organization. Addressing the team owners, coaches, former teammates and thousands of fans in attendance, the Pope called Brady "one of the greatest athletes and champions of the modern era."
"Tom Brady's feats on the football field are unmatched," said the Pope in his induction speech. "His excellence, determination and clutch performances have raised him to the level of saintliness. It is entirely fitting that he takes his place among the Patriot legends."
The Pope then unveiled Brady's bronzed bust, which will be permanently displayed in the Patriots Hall of Fame outside the stadium.
Brady, who spent 23 seasons with the Patriots and won an unprecedented 7 Super Bowl titles, was visibly emotional during the ceremony. "This is the greatest honor of my life," he said through tears. "To be inducted by the Holy Father himself is something I never could have imagined."
The surprise Papal visit capped off a day of celebrations in Brady's honor, including a downtown parade and special tribute at the stadium before the ceremony. Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker officially declared June 13th "Tom Brady Day" across the state.
The induction ceremony will be remembered as one of the most iconic moments in Boston sports history and a truly sacred event for Patriots Nation. Tom Brady's legacy is forever enshrined among the team's greatest legends.
Jeff Carey is a veteran reporter covering sports and architecture. He was the founding editor of the Minneapolis Mini Times, a local paper with a circulation of more than 500,000. He divides his time between the east and west coast.
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