After the 2013 Red Sox won the World Series, there were a few sponsors that sent some cool gifts to the team. New Balance recreated the famous PF Flyers from the movie The Sandlot and sent a pair to every member of the team. L.L. Bean sent custom red rain boots with the “2013 World Series Champions” logo stitched on them. There were t-shirts and hats and all sorts of things celebrating the team.

Most everything we received was shipped in bulk to Fenway Park and then redirected out to the 35+ players, coaches, and staff at their homes across the country. But there was one box in which the sender must have gotten everyone’s individual address and shipped direct. This was one thing I was NOT expecting. When I opened it I saw a pair of Red Sox Red Ugg loafers. And on top of the shoes was a note printed on beautiful stationery, so nice it almost looked like a wedding invitation. It read “From one Boston champion to another, stay Boston Strong.” Signed, by Tom Brady.

My jaw hit the floor. Not only was this so unnecessary and unexpected. It was also generous and timely. It was also SO well done.

That 2013 Red Sox team meant so much to the city of Boston after the attack on Marathon Monday. The team had embraced the challenge to try and help the city heal. It was just a game, but the team baseball being played after tragedy hopefully gave people the smallest sense of normalcy when they needed it most. And the playoff run gave people something to cheer for. Finally, the concept of #BostonStrong gave everyone something to rally around.

Tom Brady must have felt a sense of unity with us and with the whole city. I know I did. And when I read his note, I felt camaraderie with him too, and all other athletes in every sport in Boston.

If I didn’t already love Tom Brady (which I did, he’s the GOAT, so how could you not love him?) I loved him even more now.