Hip-hop icon Jay-Z opened the festivities for Tom Brady’s induction into the New England Patriots Hall of Fame. Jay Z made a surprise appearance to kick off the celebration at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Tom Brady made a dramatic floor entrance and stepped in front of the stage for his song.

Tom’s lengthy career with the Patriots was honored during the induction ceremony. Robert Kraft and Bill Belichick, two former Patriots teammates and staff members, attended the ceremony as well.

In addition to Tom’s induction ceremony, Jay’s visit was his first live performance in almost a year. Jay’s final public performance before the Quarterback’s career celebration took place in June 2023 in Paris to commemorate Pharrell Williams’ appointment as creative director of Louis Vuitton. He performed at another Louis Vuitton event earlier that year, but since 2019, he has avoided making many public appearances. That year, in April, he gave his final official concert at Webster Hall in New York. He also made a cameo appearance at the Something in the Water Festival in Washington, D.C., during Pharrell’s concert.

WHAT A FUCKING ENTRANCE! pic.twitter.com/YfrZq0aVCO

— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) June 12, 2024