After much should-he-or-shouldn’t-he debate, Tom Brady did indeed take part in the pre-game ceremonies at Super Bowl 50 on Sunday. The Patriots QB joined former teammate Deion Branch and other legends, including childhood hero Joe Montana, as the NFL honored MVPs from the previous 49 Super Bowls.
Tom walked out onto the field wearing a sharp suit and shades when he was announced. He gave a quick thumbs-up despite jeers coming from the crowd.
Prior to the game, he spoke with Jim Gray of Westwood One Radio about participating in the ceremony, according to WEEI.com.
"It's hard to really put into words," he said of the honor. "I think more so it is a feeling that you get. It's pretty tough to describe because I think for me, I think about where I started and growing up 26 miles away from here in San Mateo and just realizing the journey of what it all means to get to this point.
"It's really a celebration of the great teams that I have been a part of and for me I am really proud to represent all those teams that won these great championships. They are hard to win. Any number of guys could have won this award, any number of years that we've won it. I stand up here representing all those other guys too."
Tom, who arrived at Levi's Stadium with wife Gisele Bundchen, said it was "spectacular" to experience the pageantry of the Super Bowl but explained that he was already focused on the 2016 season.
"I'll look forward to a great game," he said, according to WEEI.com. "I'll look forward to it being over and everyone looking forward to the 2016 season."
Tom and Deion weren't the only Patriots representatives at Super Bowl 50, though. Robert Kraft was in attendance at the game and Saturday night's NFL Honors, where Rob Gronkowski capped off a busy week by presenting the award for Play of the Year with Miss Universe, Pia Wurtzbach.
Go behind the scenes with Patriots QB Tom Brady and Chairman Robert Kraft at Super Bowl 50.
