Preseason games are a contentious issue among players, fans, and even NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who would probably like them scrapped in favor of an 18-game campaign. The Washington Commanders' passionate support just got a big reason to tune out of one clash before Week 1 against the New York Giants gets here.
The Commanders are scheduled to take on the New England Patriots in their first preseason outing on August 8. This contest also has a special significance, at least for the home team.
The Patriots confirmed they will be revealing their statue of legendary quarterback Tom Brady — now the primary analyst on FOX — before the clash versus Washington. He won six Super Bowls in New England and remains beloved by the organization despite departing in acrimonious circumstances for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he won another ring. Now, he's getting a 12-foot bronze depiction in his honor.
A legacy etched in bronze forever.@TomBrady’s statue will be unveiled on 8/8 prior to Patriots vs. Commanders. pic.twitter.com/mRfKkbqC7i
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) June 12, 2025
Commanders fans won't care about Tom Brady's honor to kick off the preseason
Brady is a controversial figure to most NFL fans. The Deflategate incident didn't exactly cover him in glory. His constant success made him revered and hated in equal measure. This lovefest before Washington's preseason curtain-raiser is something most fans outside of New England will be looking to avoid at all costs.
It won't mean much to the players or staff in Washington. If anything, it should inspire them.
Jayden Daniels is looking to become one of the game's stars. He's well on track to achieve this objective after the greatest rookie campaign of any quarterback in NFL history. Reaching Brady's level of success is a different challenge entirely — one that perhaps no signal-caller will ever achieve again.
Caring about the preseason is difficult. Fans are eagerly anticipating the regular season, but the position battles and quests for roster spots keep things mildly interesting. For anyone with a strong disdain for Brady, this latest development won't do anything to sway them into a change of plans.
Brady deserves it after everything he gave to the Patriots. Just don't expect Commanders' fans to care all that much after experiencing nothing but misery throughout his reign of dominance.
