Tom Brady Returns to New England By Mike Shea – Copy Editor

            On Sunday October 3rd, Tom Brady returned to New England for the first time since playing for the Patriots. Tom Brady and the Buccaneers squared off against the New England Patriots for the first time since Brady left the Patriots 2 years ago. He previously played for the Patriots for 20 years.

            Tom Brady was drafted in the 6th round in the 1999 draft. Since then, he has won 17 division titles, 16 AFC Championship games, nine Super Bowl appearances, and 6 Super wins. He is the winningest Super Bowl Quarterback ever and is regarded as the greatest Quarterback of all time. 

            After giving New England fans 20 years of a dynasty, the crowd was anxious to see the return of their hero. Before the game, Tom Brady can onto the field with a ‘let’s go’ scream that riled up the crowd. The patriots also gave a touching tribute video to Brady to acknowledge all that he’s done for the team.

            The game itself was a close one, with the Buccaneers winning 19-17 on a missed winning field goal kick by Patriot’s kicker Nick Folk. It was for 56 yards which would have been his longest kick of his career. However, there was a devastating groan throughout the home crowd when the ball hit the goal post.

            Brady himself had a decent game Sunday. He threw 22 of 43 passes completed and no touchdowns. However, he did lead the team on a winning drive in the 4th quarter. 

            Mac Jones, the Patriots Quarterback, also had a great game. He is a rookie this year and is considered by many Patriots fans as the successor to Tom Brady. Jones threw 31 or 40 completed passes for 275 yards and 2 touchdowns.

            After the game, Tom and Brady and the Patriots coach Bill Belichick shook hands briefly. However, Belichick came by the Buccaneers locker room and Brady and Belichick talked for 25 minutes. This was already planned and anticipated by fans if it was going to happen. 

            Brady is a hero in New England and loved coming back to New England. He will always be admired in New England and beloved by fans.