It’s a bit hard to believe, but Tom Brady is turning the big 4-0 on Thursday.
While fans will celebrate the Patriots superstar’s big day with a party at Faneuil Hall, don’t expect Brady to get wild at any birthday bashes. According to his recent interview with Sports Illustrated, TB12’s only plan for Aug. 3 is hitting the gridiron for a serious training camp session.
“Hopefully it’s just a day of practice,” Brady told SI. “That would be the perfect day. I want the day to just come and go, where I’m enjoying being out there with the guys like any other day in August over the last 25 years of my life.”
Although the 5-time Super Bowl champion isn’t clamoring to commemorate turning 40, that doesn’t mean fans can’t have some fun. Here are 10 ways to celebrate Brady’s birthday this weekend.
1. Birthday celebration at Faneuil Hall
Faneuil Hall Marketplace is going all out for Brady’s birthday on Thursday. Starting at 1 p.m., fans are invited to stop by North Market to sing “Happy Birthday” to New England’s favorite quarterback, followed by helpings of free cake, while supplies last. A life-sized cutout of TB12 will be on hand as well so attendees can snap selfies with the star. Participating stores will also offer discounts on Aug. 3 to any customers wearing Patriots gear.
2. Cheer from the sidelines at training camp
Since it sounds like Brady will spend most of his 40th birthday working out, head over to the practice fields at Gillette Stadium on Thursday for a chance to catch a glimpse of the Patriots star. Gates open an hour before morning practice kicks off, which is scheduled to start at 9:15 a.m. that day. In addition to watching all the training camp action, fans can also take part in activities, games and photo opportunities in the Fan Walk and Play Football areas.
3. Dine at La Morra
The famous Brookline resident reportedly enjoys dining at one of his neighborhood’s top restaurants. According to Boston.com, Brady is a fan of the Italian hotspot La Morra, ordering dishes such as bolognese and wood grilled chicken in the past. Reserve a table this weekend and toast to TB12’s milestone birthday.
4. Cook up some greens
If you don’t want to spend the night out but still feel in the mood to eat like Brady, cook up a healthy meal with ingredients from his notoriously strict diet. That means stocking up on a lot of organic vegetables, lean meats and whole grains. However, make sure to skip “inflammatory” items like tomatoes, peppers, and mushrooms–and definitely don’t munch on any birthday cake.
5. Hit the golf course
It took a while, but Brady and his wife Gisele Bündchen are now members of the super exclusive Country Club in Brookline, which means TB12 doesn’t have to travel far to work on his impressive golf game. Although most of us probably aren’t allowed to hit the links there, luckily, the Boston area has plenty of other courses to try, including the William J. Devine Golf Course at Franklin Park.
6. Lounge around in Uggs
Since he’s the famous face of the popular shoe brand, most people already know about Brady’s love for Uggs. If you have a pair–or dozens like the Patriots star–spend the day lounging around in the fuzzy slippers.
7. Hone your Madden skills
Brady is set to be the cover athlete for the next Madden game, so dust off your old copy of the previous installment and get some practice in before Madden 18 hits stores on Aug. 25.
8. Throw around the old pigskin
If virtual football doesn’t interest you, grab some friends and channel TB12 with a game of catch at a nearby park. Just make sure your PSI levels are in check.
9. Step up your meme game
If you follow Brady on Facebook or Instagram, than you know that the Patriots quarterback is a master of the meme game. Whether it’s trolling opposing NFL teams or poking fun at himself, TB12 is one of the most social media savvy stars out there today. Follow in his virtual footsteps and work on your meme-making skills.
10. Rewatch Super Bowl LI
As one of the craziest comebacks in football history, Brady leading the Patriots to a suprising win over the Falcons at Super Bowl LI will go down as one of the greatest Boston sports moments. Relive the magic and watch the game all over again in honor of TB12’s birthday.
