Gillette Stadium, September 22, 2025
News Summary
The New England Patriots faced the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium in Week 3, with notable attendees including Julian Edelman and Jayson Tatum. Edelman, freshly inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame, rang the bell, while Tatum supported the Patriots despite recovering from a season-ending injury. The convergence of notable athletes created a unique atmosphere, highlighting Boston’s rich sports culture and inter-team support.
Foxborough
The New England Patriots faced off against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium in Week 3. Julian Edelman, a Super Bowl Champion wide receiver, was present at the game and rang the bell in the lighthouse above the field. Edelman’s appearance came shortly after his induction into the Patriots Hall of Fame. Music mogul Jay-Z was also in attendance at the game.
Key supporting details
Jayson Tatum, an NBA Champion and star for the Boston Celtics, attended the game with his son, Deuce. Tatum wore a red sweater to support the Patriots, coinciding with the team wearing their throwback jerseys. Tatum suffered a season-ending injury (ruptured right Achilles tendon) during the Eastern Conference semi-finals this past summer, requiring surgery. His injury and subsequent surgery occurred less than 24 hours after the injury on the court during a playoff game.
Additional context
Tatum’s injury brought disappointment to Celtics fans who hoped for consecutive NBA championships and the addition of a 19th banner at TD Garden. Tatum does not have a specific timeline for his return to basketball, making his presence at Patriots events noteworthy for fans. Boston sports teams have a tradition of athletes supporting one another by attending events across different sports. Examples of inter-sport support include the Boston Red Sox visiting Gillette Stadium and New England Patriots appearing at Fenway Park.
Possible impact on the home team
The article suggests that the energy surrounding Hall of Fame inductions and Tatum’s appearance could give the Patriots momentum for the game against the Steelers. Attendance by high-profile athletes and public figures contributed to a heightened atmosphere at Gillette Stadium during Week 3, creating shared moments between franchises and city sports fans.
Why this matters
The convergence of notable local athletes and national figures at a single game highlights how Boston’s sports culture often overlaps across leagues. The presence of a recently inducted Patriots Hall of Famer and a high-profile NBA champion attending together underscores the reciprocal support local teams and players offer one another. For fans, such appearances serve as touchpoints in a broader season narrative involving recovery, recognition, and regional pride.
FAQ
Q: Who rang the bell in the lighthouse above the field?
A: Julian Edelman, a Super Bowl Champion wide receiver, was present at the game and rang the bell in the lighthouse above the field.
Q: When did Julian Edelman appear at the game relative to his Hall of Fame recognition?
A: Edelman’s appearance came shortly after his induction into the Patriots Hall of Fame.
Q: Which music industry figure attended the game?
A: Music mogul Jay-Z was also in attendance at the game.
Q: Which NBA player attended and who accompanied him?
A: Jayson Tatum, an NBA Champion and star for the Boston Celtics, attended the game with his son, Deuce.
Q: What did Jayson Tatum wear and how did it relate to the Patriots?
A: Tatum wore a red sweater to support the Patriots, coinciding with the team wearing their throwback jerseys.
Q: What injury did Jayson Tatum sustain and when did it occur?
A: Tatum suffered a season-ending injury (ruptured right Achilles tendon) during the Eastern Conference semi-finals this past summer, requiring surgery.
Q: How soon did Tatum have surgery after his injury?
A: His injury and subsequent surgery occurred less than 24 hours after the injury on the court during a playoff game.
Q: What was the impact of Tatum’s injury on Celtics fans’ expectations?
A: Tatum’s injury brought disappointment to Celtics fans who hoped for consecutive NBA championships and the addition of a 19th banner at TD Garden.
Q: Is there a timeline for Tatum’s return to basketball?
A: Tatum does not have a specific timeline for his return to basketball, making his presence at Patriots events noteworthy for fans.
Q: Do Boston sports teams commonly support each other?
A: Boston sports teams have a tradition of athletes supporting one another by attending events across different sports.
Q: What are examples of inter-sport support mentioned?
A: Examples of inter-sport support include the Boston Red Sox visiting Gillette Stadium and New England Patriots appearing at Fenway Park.
Q: Could the combined attention from Hall of Fame events and notable attendees affect the game?
A: The article suggests that the energy surrounding Hall of Fame inductions and Tatum’s appearance could give the Patriots momentum for the game against the Steelers.
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Quick reference table
Item | Detail |
---|---|
Game | New England Patriots vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers |
Location | Gillette Stadium |
Week | Week 3 |
Notable attendees | Julian Edelman; Jay-Z; Jayson Tatum with his son, Deuce |
Special activity | Julian Edelman rang the bell in the lighthouse above the field |
Tatum injury | Ruptured right Achilles tendon; season-ending injury; required surgery |
Surgery timing | His injury and subsequent surgery occurred less than 24 hours after the injury on the court during a playoff game |
Team tradition | Boston sports teams have a tradition of athletes supporting one another by attending events across different sports |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Sports Illustrated: Jayson Tatum Reps New England Patriots at Game
- NBC Sports Boston: 20 Under 25 Boston Voting Contest
- Boston.com: Ranking Boston Sports Stars
- Boston Globe: Notable Short-Time Boston Athletes
- Runner’s World: Boston Marathon 2025 Celebrities
- Wikipedia: New England Patriots
- Google Search: Boston Sports Culture
- Google Scholar: Inter-Sport Support
- Encyclopedia Britannica: National Football League
- Google News: Boston Celtics 2025

Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
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