Tom Brady, a New England Patriots legend, helped the franchise build a championship “dynasty.” They drafted him way back in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL draft, with Brady leading the Patriots to an amazing six Super Bowl wins! To celebrate his incredible career, the Patriots will induct Brady into their Hall of Fame on June 12. This is a big deal, and the ceremony will honor his jersey No. 12, and all those six Super Bowl rings.

The former quarterback will be the 35th Patriot to be inducted. This long-awaited event has fans buzzing with the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough already sold out. The ceremony also promises to be a star-studded affair, with Patriots owner Robert Kraft hinting at “outstanding, surprise guests.” 

In an interview with ESPN’s Mike Reiss, Kraft acknowledged Brady’s impact on the game and noted that they should “have a full stadium to honor him,” including “hundreds of his former Patriots teammates” and his closest circle. However, Kraft raised the anticipation even higher by adding, “We’ll also have some real outstanding, surprise guests that are coming out of respect to Tommy and his legacy.”

The surprise guests, of course, are supposed to be a secret, but that doesn’t stop people from speculating. Media outlets are abuzz with the possibility that the Patriots might recreate a historic moment from sports history. They’re suggesting the team could pull off a stunt reminiscent of the Celtics’ “Larry Bird Night” back in 1993.  Could we see a legendary rival show up in a Patriots jersey? 

Will a rival quarterback crash Tom Brady’s big evening?

Like Tom Brady had a long career with the Patriots, Larry Bird also spent many years playing for the Boston Celtics. To celebrate his retirement, the team invited not only his family and friends but also his famous ’80s rival, Magic Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Johnson, who had won five NBA championships to Bird’s three, appeared as a surprise guest. The moment became legendary when he walked onstage wearing his Lakers jersey. He then dramatically revealed a Celtics shirt underneath as a gesture of respect for Bird.

This iconic moment has fueled speculation that Robert Kraft might plan something similar for Brady’s induction. While Peyton Manning, Brady’s biggest rival, recently appeared at Netflix’s Brady Roast in his honor, another surprise visit seems unlikely. However, Eli Manning, who won two Super Bowls with the New York Giants, both against Brady’s Patriots, could be a potential surprise guest. It’s just a couple of days to see who is making it to the stage.