Patriots DT addresses Tom Brady's return to Gillette Stadium

New England Patriots defensive tackle Davon Godchaux never had Tom Brady as a teammate but nevertheless understands the importance of the G.O.A.T. returning to Gillette Stadium this September. 

"That’s going to be big," Godchaux explained on Thursday, per Zack Cox of NESN. "A lot of people are looking forward to that. That’s probably sold out already. We don’t even know who the home opener is (against), and it’s probably sold out because Tom’s coming back. But that’s going to be big. Arguably the greatest quarterback ever, and for him to come back to where it all started, I know all the fans are excited about that. He’s done a lot for this program — six Super Bowls with Coach (Bill) Belichick and along with everybody else who participated in those Super Bowls." 

While Godchaux didn't know, for sure, when he offered his comments who the Patriots will play in their home opener, insiders such as Jordan Schultz of The Score reported New England will host the reigning NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1 on the same day the team honors Brady. 

"It’s going to be exciting to have him," Godchaux said of Brady being in the building for an NFL event for the first time since TB12 guided the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a victory at the Patriots in October 2021. "We’ve definitely got to get a win. We want to get a win every game, but that game, we’ve definitely got to get a win. A legend’s coming back, so we’ve definitely got to show out." 

Godchaux and company should have extra motivation to want to earn a victory over Philadelphia in this instance, as Brady and New England fell to the Eagles in Super Bowl LII back in February 2018. The Brady-led Patriots beat Philadelphia to win XXXIX, but that was all the way back in February 2005. 

As for Godchaux, he first joined the Patriots in March 2021 and, thus, understands what it means to see Brady as an opponent at Gillette Stadium. Truth be told, Godchaux may feel more pressure representing Brady than New England players felt while facing the seven-time Super Bowl champion two Octobers ago.