The New England Patriots just announced Tom Brady's statue will be erected outside Gillette Stadium ahead of their first preseason game in August ... with the organization planning a special ceremony to promote the 12-foot tribute.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft initially shared the plans for the bronze Brady during his Patriots Hall of Fame ceremony last year -- the same night the 47-year-old quarterback’s No. 12 was retired.

Kraft said the statue would "perpetuate the legendary legacy of this once-in-a-lifetime player" .