Tom Brady's New England Patriots have been hotter than a firecracker on the Fourth of July since a magical portrait arrived in the team locker room.
Legendary artist Brian Fox painted a special tribute in memory of Myra Kraft, wife of owner Robert Kraft, who lost her battle with cancer last year. Ever since the work of art was presented to Robert Kraft, his Patriots have yet to lose. The painting shows a group of New England players pointing to the sky where the MHK tribute patch is located. At the bottom of the painting is the word "dedication."
Offensive lineman Matt Light came up with the idea back in November to create the moving tribute for the NFL owner's wife, according to the Boston Herald. Light asked Fox to finish the paining by Christmas, so he placed all his other assignments on hold to get it done at the very last minute.
The paining was done in time for the Pats' home game against the Miami Dolphins on Christmas Eve. Light wouldn't allow the artwork to be presented to Kraft unless the team won. Fox, who had to put together a bunch of toys at home for his kids' Christmas, waited in his car at the Gillette Stadium parking lot until the game's conclusion. Following the Patriots' late 27-24 win, security rushed the artist into the winning team's locker room, where he presented Mr. Kraft his composition.
Fox left a successful career designing for an apparel company just over seven years ago to become a full-time artist. It was a "liberal leap of faith" he tells the Boston Herald. Brian didn't tell his wife's "old-school Portuguese" parents about his drastic change for a month after quitting his job to enter the art world.
Over the years, Fox has become one of the leading sports painters in America. Ryan Howard (Phillies), Ichiro (Mariners), Glen "Big Baby" Davis (Magic), Tom Brady and Wes Welker of the Patriots are just a few of the athletes who have artwork from Fox in their collections.
Actors Morgan Freeman and Mark Wahlberg and the late Charlton Heston also own works from the artist to the star.
New England has beaten Buffalo to close the regular season, and the Broncos and Ravens in the playoffs, since the painting was revealed.
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