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Tom Brady drunk shirt, explained: Why Al Horford paid tribute to NFL legend at Celtics championship parade

David Suggs

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Tom Brady drunk shirt, explained: Why Al Horford paid tribute to NFL legend at Celtics championship parade image

Boston lavished praise upon its title-winning Celtics on Friday, showering the 15-man roster in a pour of confetti as they raced down Causeway Street on those all-important Duck Boats.

It's what they deserved after vanquishing the Mavericks in five games in the NBA Finals. With their conquest over their Western Conference foes, the C's put the finishing touches on a 16-3 postseason run, among the greatest team stretches in playoff history.

Dominance like that begets raucous celebration. For those at the center of those festivities, that can also bring a steady stream of libations.

Boston center Al Horford knows that all too well. He made sure to dress the part, too, galavanting around Beantown in a shirt paying tribute to former Patriots superstar Tom Brady ... and his iron liver.

Here's the story behind Horford's eye-catching fashion choice.

MORE: How many championships have the Celtics won?

Tom Brady drunk shirt, explained

Brady prided himself on his ability to remain as straight-laced as they come, never getting too high or too low over the course of his career.

That doesn't mean he hasn't had moments to let loose, however. The most glaring example was in February 2021, when Brady and the Buccaneers got to share their Super Bowl 55 win with the residents of Tampa.

Brady swapped his typical calm and composed self for one caught in a drunken stupor, waltzing (and wobbling) around the city before being swept away in a teammate's arms. 

It was a moment that captivated audiences, drawing rather humorous reactions from the likes of Brady himself and LeBron James. 

It also seems to have stayed in the nexus between sports and pop culture, particularly in the Northeast where Brady shined brightest.

Horford, a Celtics veteran and admirer of history, is simply building on the foundation set by Brady, J.R. Smith and other athletes who have celebrated their title wins with aplomb...and plenty of alcohol.

Brady seemed to be a fan of the gesture, as well.

Horford made sure to go the extra mile to celebrate his first championship win. After 17 years, can you really blame him? 

David Suggs

David Suggs Photo

David Suggs is a content producer at The Sporting News. A long-suffering Everton, Wizards and Commanders fan, he has learned to get used to losing over the years. In his free time, he enjoys skateboarding (poorly), listening to the likes of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and D’Angelo, and penning short journal entries.