June 9th, 2024 – Written by Javen Sears, Dolphins VP

SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. – The New England Patriots inducted franchise legend Tom Brady into the Patriots Hall of Fame in an epic two-and-a-half-hour event on Wednesday. Following a 20-year career with the Patriots, during which he led the team to six Super Bowl championships, Brady became the 35th player inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame in a grandiose ceremony in front of a sold-out Gillette Stadium.

During his electrifying speech, Brady shared powerful words about the importance of football:

“I would encourage everyone to play football for the simple reason that it is hard. It’s hard when you’re young to wake up in the offseason at 6am to go train and work out knowing that all your friends are sleeping in and eating pancakes. It’s hard when you’re on your way to practice weighed down with all your gear and it’s 90 degrees out and all the other kids are at the pool or at the beach, and your body is already completely exhausted from workouts and two-a-days. It’s hard to throw, catch, block, and tackle, and hit kids when they’re way bigger and way more developed than you, only to go home that night bruised and battered and strained, but knowing you have to show up again the next day for just the chance to try again.

But understand this: life is hard. No matter who you are, there are bumps, hits, and bruises along the way. And my advice is to prepare yourself, because football’s lessons teach us that success and achievement come from overcoming adversity, and that team accomplishment far exceeds any one individual’s goals.” – Tom Brady

Brady’s words perfectly emulate the mission of the South Burlington Dolphins, an organization that has dedicated the last 58 years to fostering youth football in South Burlington, Vermont. At the Dolphins, our motto is “P.R.I.D.E: Personal Responsibility for Individual Daily Efforts.” This principle has guided our efforts to teach kids the values of hard work, resilience, and teamwork.

Over 3,000 kids have played for the Dolphins, experiencing firsthand the transformative power of youth football. Our dedicated coaches ensure that every player learns to overcome challenges, much like those Brady described, preparing them for life’s adversities.

The impact of our program is evident in the “101 Reasons Why” article, where former Dolphins share how the program has shaped their lives. These testimonials highlight the lasting positive influence of youth football on our community.

Youth football is more than just a sport; it’s a catalyst for personal growth and community unity. It brings people together, instilling values that last a lifetime. Tom Brady’s speech at his Hall of Fame induction reaffirms why we, at the South Burlington Dolphins, continue our mission with unwavering commitment.