New England Patriots Could Thank Legend Michael Jackson for Developing Tom Brady and Gillette Stadium

The development of Gillette Stadium is not a one-man effort. Behind the construction of this iconic sports venue, lies a fascinating story that intertwines the worlds of music and football. As discussions abound over the statues that should adorn the stadium’s grounds, one can argue for the inclusion of not just Tom Brady, the record-breaking quarterback, but also the legendary Michael Jackson.

The New England Patriots owner, Robert Kraft, marked his 500th game as team owner last year. He undoubtedly has become the most successful owner in the NFL since he bought the team in 1994. However, it is intriguing to discover that Kraft credits Michael Jackson with inadvertently shaping both Brady’s ascent and the stadium’s legacy. But what is the untold story behind this unexpected connection?

The lesser-known story of MJ’s connection to Gillette Stadium

According to reports from ‘Sea Coast Current’, in 1984, Michael Jackson and his four brothers were planning their highly anticipated “Victory Tour.” The son of the Patriots’ original owner, Chuck Sullivan, saw an opportunity and attempted to book them at Sullivan Stadium, which is now known as Gillette Stadium. However, Chuck encountered numerous challenges during the process. Convincing other NFL owners to book the Jacksons for concerts proved difficult, and Foxboro even denied a permit to hold a concert at the stadium.

This led to a series of problems, including inflated ticket prices, expensive equipment transportation, and reduced seating capacity due to the elaborate stage setup. As a consequence, Chuck and Billy Sullivan, the Patriots’ owners at that time, were compelled to sell the stadium and the team.

After a series of ownership changes, Robert Kraft took ownership, leading to the eventual construction of Gillette Stadium, which stands as the Patriots’ current home. With Kraft’s arrival, two other significant personalities entered the picture, shaping the course of history.

Who were the two powerhouses of the Patriots?

One can guess correctly that Tom Brady played a pivotal role, but the other individual responsible for bringing Brady into the game & giving Patriots the most titles, was Brady’s first NFL head coach, Bill Belichick. The New England Patriots’ trajectory underwent a seismic shift on January 27, 2000, when the team officially appointed Bill Belichick as their head coach. Belichick’s path to New England took a captivating turn, involving a notable resignation via a napkin, an unconventional departure press conference, and a coaching tug-o-war between two AFC rivals.

Remarkably, Robert Kraft, the Patriots’ owner, orchestrated a trade with the New York Jets, sacrificing a first-round pick and more to secure Belichick’s services—an acquisition that would prove to be one of the greatest bargains in NFL history. Following Belichick’s arrival, the 2000 NFL Draft witnessed the Patriots utilizing the 199th pick, a compensatory selection they couldn’t trade, to select Michigan quarterback Tom Brady. Together, Brady and Belichick etched their names in football lore, amassing a staggering 249 wins as a formidable duo—the highest tally in NFL history. Their remarkable partnership propelled them to an awe-inspiring nine Super Bowl appearances, resulting in six victories.

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However, following Brady’s retirement, Belichick wrote an emotionally charged note as a testament to the profound bond they had forged throughout their NFL journey. In a fitting tribute to Brady’s legendary career, Robert Kraft, the Patriots owner, is currently pondering over the idea of building a statue in his honor outside Gillette Stadium.

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