Patriots Rookie’s Reaction To Tom Brady Gift Turns Heads

The New England Patriots have high hopes for the 2025 campaign, as they aim to reclaim their position at the top of the league, which is a spot they frequently held during Tom Brady’s tenure with the team. One of the reasons for optimism in New England is their incoming class of rookies.

After attacking the defensive side of the ball in free agency, the Patriots used their first four picks in the 2025 NFL Draft on the offensive side of the ball. Among that group is wide receiver Kyle Williams, whom the Pats selected in the third round.

While New England’s wide receiver room is very deep, Williams is considered a roster lock who could come in and make an immediate impact in 2025. If he can emerge as a legit weapon for quarterback Drake Maye, that will make the Patriots all the more dangerous.

Even though he’s been gone for a couple of years now, the golden standard in New England was set by Brady, who won six Super Bowls with the Pats. So when Williams received a signed jersey from the legendary passer, it was clear right away just how much the gift meant to him.

“Somebody pinch me,” Williams said in a video shared by Fanatics. “And I get to keep this? I might shed a tear. I promise you, and I’m a man of my word, I will live up to this. I’ll hold the standard of the New England way, the Patriot way, and I promise you I’ll give Gillette (Stadium) a show.”

Williams starred for the Washington State Cougars in 2024, catching 70 passes for 1,198 yards and 14 touchdowns. He profiles as a big-play threat who can add a vertical element to the Patriots’ offense that has been missing in recent years.

Add in Stefon Diggs, Demario Douglas, Mack Hollins and Kayshon Boutte, and Maye’s receiving corps will be much improved from last year’s. The more Williams can do as a rookie, the better a chance the Patriots will have at returning to their winning ways that they enjoyed so frequently during Brady’s time with the team.