Tom Brady steals the spotlight with emotional reception at Rob Gronkowski’s Hall of Fame ceremony

Photo by Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesTom Brady received a huge ovation from Patriots supporters as he attended Rob Gronkowski’s induction into the New England Patriots Hall of Fame.The legendary quarterback was among several former teammates and coaches who gathered at Gillette Stadium to celebrate Gronkowski’s nine-season career with the franchise.Brady and Gronkowski won three Super Bowls together in New England before reuniting with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where they added another championship in the 2020 season.Rob Gronkowski says Tom Brady’s presence meant everything at New England Patriots ceremonyBrady’s arrival prompted loud cheers from the crowd at Patriot Place Plaza, with the former quarterback later embracing Gronkowski following the tight end’s trademark football spike on stage.However, the reception was about more than simply welcoming another Patriots legend. Gronkowski made clear just how much having his former quarterback there meant to him and his family.Speaking about Brady’s attendance, Gronkowski said: “It meant everything… He wanted to be here. It just meant a lot, man. Tom can be anywhere else. He’s the greatest player of all time. It just meant a lot to myself, my family, and to the fans, I’m sure as well.”Brady also shared his appreciation for his former teammate on social media, reposting a video of their embrace with a simple message: “That’s my 🐐.”The pair formed one of the NFL’s most successful quarterback-tight end partnerships. Gronkowski finished his Patriots career with 521 receptions for 7,861 yards and 79 regular-season touchdowns, alongside 81 catches for 1,163 yards and 12 touchdowns in the postseason.His 80 total touchdowns rank first in franchise history. The tight end also helped New England reach four Super Bowls and win three, before joining Brady in Tampa Bay for another championship.Gronkowski was voted into the Patriots Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, joining Brady, who received the honour in 2024.The celebration will continue when Gronkowski is honoured at half-time of New England’s game against the Green Bay Packers. Brady is also expected to be there, working from the FOX broadcast booth.Read more:Rob Gronkowski crowns Bill Belichick the ‘GOAT’ with heartfelt tribute at Patriots Hall of Fame ceremonyTravis Kelce takes fresh hit from Patriots legend during Rob Gronkowski’s Hall of Fame inductionColin Cowherd shares how Caleb Williams is reminding him of Michael Jordan, ‘It’s breathtaking’