WATCH: Tom Brady receives ovation in return to New England, then boos

As Tom Brady returns to his former team’s stadium, he received an ovation while taking the field from the tunnels and boos when he began his first drive. As countless fans in the crowd wore their Brady jerseys to the game, Brady received a full ovation and chants of his name before the game began. After the Patriots punted on their opening drive, Brady took the field for the first time to boos from the stadium.

Very brief, stock-like video of Tom Brady on the scoreboard at Gillette as Brady took the field. Quick “Brady” chant before the lights dimmed at the home crowd turned their attention to the home team. pic.twitter.com/CDB9K9rBru

— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) October 4, 2021

Tom Brady returns to cheers and boos

Despite the fan support he received pregame, the fans were ready to treat him as an opponent when the game began.

Tom Brady comes out for the first series and..well…

Just listen to the reception. #TheReturn | @NBC | @PeacockTV pic.twitter.com/YRbzGnpQ76

— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) October 4, 2021

On a night full of multiple emotions and storylines for Brady and the fans, it’s hard to say how much of an impact they had on him early. On the Buccaneers’ opening drive, Brady completed two of four passes for 14 yards before punting.

On their second drive, the night’s other major storyline saw its time in the spotlight as Brady set the new career passing yards record. Brady surpassed Brees’ record of 80,358 career passing yards in the first quarter, with Brees in attendance on the sideline.

With one record down, there is still one more milestone for Brady’s career at stake during the game. If Brady can beat the Patriots, he will be the fourth NFL quarterback to have a win against all 32 NFL teams. Drew Brees, Brett Favre and Peyton Manning are the only other three quarterbacks to accomplish the feat.

Belichick on Brady

With everybody preparing for Tom Brady’s return to Foxboro on Sunday night as the opposing quarterback for the first time in his NFL career, even his former coach Bill Belichick had positive things to say. Brady played in 20 seasons for the Patriots, where he won six Super Bowls. Belichick appreciates Brady, calling him the best quarterback any coach could ask for.

“Of course not,” Belichick said when asked if he thinks he would have the same amount of success in New England without having Brady as his quarterback. “We’ve talked about that for two decades. I think I’ve talked about that dozens of times saying there is no quarterback I would rather have than Tom Brady. I still feel that way. I was very lucky to have Tom as the quarterback and to coach him. He was as good as any coach could ever ask for.”

In his 20-year career with the Patriots, Brady threw for 74,571 yards, 541 touchdowns and 179 interceptions. Brady also had a successful start to his tenure with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season, throwing for 4,633 yards and 40 touchdowns. His 4,633 yards were Brady’s highest total since 2015, and his 40 touchdowns were his most since 2007.

On3’s Jonathan Wagner contributed to this article.