Thousands of New England Patriots fans went to the team’s training camp on Friday to celebrate quarterback Tom Brady’s 41st birthday. Fans turned the Patriots’ training camp into a huge birthday bash for their longtime quarterback, who remained focused at work despite his special day.
Last year, fans brought in baby goats in honor of the quarterback, considered the Greatest Of All-Time (GOAT). This year, fans brought balloon goats and a life-like balloon sculpture of Brady for picture taking.
Giant birthday cake for Brady
Fans also brought creative and hilarious signs to greet their quarterback and sang a “Happy Birthday” song from the sidelines when Brady stepped onto the field.
Giant birthday cards were everywhere, giving fans the chance to write a message to Brady.
A giant birthday cake, baked by Montillo’s Baking Company, also arrived in the wee hours of the morning. The baking company used around 90 sheet cakes to assemble a giant “12” birthday cake with red, white, and blue colors outside Gillette Stadium. According to the baking company, it took them three days, 2,000 eggs, and 250 pounds of sugar to make the cake -- capable of feeding around 5,000 people.
Before Brady’s birthday, tight end Rob Gronkowski was asked about his birthday present for the quarterback. Gronkowski said he had no birthday gift for Brady. “Usually, he just loves the game of football so much, usually on his birthday he just wants a good practice day.
Lots of touchdowns,” said Gronkowski -- according to CBS Boston.
Patriots react to Eric Decker’s signing
Fellow wide receivers Cordarrelle Patterson and Julian Edelman reacted to the signing of veteran Eric Decker to a one-year deal. According to Patterson, he’s excited to play alongside Decker, an eight-year veteran who has played for the Denver Broncos, New York Jets, and the Tennessee Titans.
Patterson said he’s lucky to be playing alongside solid wideouts such as Edelman, Decker, Kenny Britt and Chris Hogan, saying they can learn from one another. Edelman, who is suspended for the first four games of the regular season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy, called Decker a great player.
It was reported that the Patriots signed Decker to a one-year deal on Thursday, but the team and head coach Bill Belichick did not confirm the move during Friday’s news conference. The Patriots recently released offensive lineman Nate Theaker to make room for Decker on the 90-man squad.