Tom Brady’s Raiders ownership became the punchline of a memorable afternoon at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, as Adam Vinatieri used his Ring of Excellence speech to joke about the Patriots’ long history with Las Vegas. The New England Patriots held two special ceremonies, one honouring the franchise’s first championship and one celebrating Vinatieri’s Hall of Fame induction, before routing the Raiders 45-17.
Patriots Honour Their First Championship
Before kickoff, the Patriots remembered their Super Bowl victory over the St. Louis Rams in 2002. That win started the dynastic run led by Brady and changed the franchise for good. The timing carried extra meaning, since the opponent was the Las Vegas Raiders, a team tied to both the title run and to Brady’s current role in the NFL.
Vinatieri Receives Ring of Excellence
At halftime, Vinatieri received his Ring of Excellence. The honour was fitting for a kicker whose clutch boot against the Raiders in the divisional round paved the way for New England’s first title. Fans at Gillette Stadium gave the four-time champion a warm reception as he took the field once more.
The Tom Brady Raiders Joke That Stole the Show
Vinatieri used the moment to poke fun at the visitors. “Seeing those Raider jerseys takes me way back,” he said, recalling the snowy night when New England beat Oakland on the way to Super Bowl 36. He also noted that he later became the NFL’s all-time leading scorer in Oakland.
Then came the line that drew the biggest reaction. “At the time, I thought we owned the Raiders. And now, thanks to Tom Brady, we really do,” he said. The joke worked because the Tom Brady Raiders connection is real: Brady became a part-owner after buying a minority stake in 2024.
Brady and Vinatieri’s Shared History
The two played together on the Patriots for six seasons. Although they were not close friends, they have always expressed mutual admiration. That respect makes the Tom Brady Raiders quip land as a friendly jab rather than a dig. For Patriots fans, the moment tied together two pillars of the dynasty and a rivalry that has taken a surprising turn.
Vinatieri’s Hall of Fame Résumé
The 53-year-old Vinatieri retired in 2019 with the Indianapolis Colts, finishing with 2,673 career points. He was a three-time All-Pro and a three-time Pro Bowler. He led the league in scoring in 2004 and earned a place on the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team. Few kickers have matched his reputation for delivering in the biggest moments.
Patriots Dominate on the Field
The game itself matched the celebration. New England crushed the Raiders and improved to 3-2. Quarterback Drake Maye had a monster five-touchdown performance that brought the swagger back to the team, helped by strong play from the offensive line. For a franchise honouring its past, the result showed a bright present.
FAQs
What did Adam Vinatieri say about Tom Brady and the Raiders?
He joked that he once thought the Patriots owned the Raiders and that, thanks to Tom Brady, they now really do.
Does Tom Brady own part of the Raiders?
Yes. Brady became a minority owner of the Raiders after buying a stake in 2024.
What was the final score between the Patriots and Raiders?
The Patriots won 45-17 and moved to 3-2 on the season.
Why was Vinatieri honoured at the ceremony?
He received his Ring of Excellence for his Hall of Fame induction and his clutch kick against the Raiders in the 2001 divisional round, which helped win New England’s first title.