New England Patriots: A Bay Area Homecoming for Brady and Edelman

Two key members of the New England Patriots offense, Tom Brady and Julian Edelman, are making their first trip home to the Bay Area this week.

Tom Brady is from San Mateo, CA and Edelman is a Redwood City, CA native. While both Patriots players would have loved to make their San Francisco debut last season in Super Bowl 50, Week 11 in 2016 will have to do.

Both are expecting family members and friends to attend the game in high numbers. Both players have memories of the old Candlestick Park, as Brady attended the “Catch” game when the 49ers finally beat the Dallas Cowboys.

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Tom Brady returns to play against the 49ers for the first time in the Bay Area in his 17-year NFL career. He would have done so in 2008 at Candlestick Park, but that was the year he tore his ACL in the opener and missed the rest of the season. The quarterback said he has never before had to handle so many ticket requests, but he’s embracing the moment.

"“I may never get the opportunity again, so it’s nice to have all the support, and I’ve had a lot from the Bay Area over the years,” he said. “My high school, my elementary school, I still have so many friends from growing up, and coaches. My aunts, uncles, cousins … it will just be a lot of fun to be out there.”"

At Junipero Serra High School in San Mateo, California there are several Brady reminders. His alma mater’s football field, is called the Brady Family Stadium.

Of course the Brady family will be cheering on Tom and the Patriots this Sunday, but they were some hardcore 49ers fans. Tom Brady Sr. recalls those 49ers memories fondly.

"“We had season tickets for 24 years, so we were 49er fanatics. Typically, we’d head off to church, head up to Candlestick, tailgate and watch the first game Sunday morning, go in and see the 49ers play, then come home and replay the 49er game.”"

Brady’s top target, Julian Edelman, is also excited for a Sunday homecoming.

"“It’s going to be pretty exciting,” Edelman said Wednesday before practice. “The new place is no Candlestick [Park], but it will be pretty fun to go back and get to play in front of some friends and family. Going to Santa Clara, going to Great America my whole life, it will be cool.”"

Patriots fans are hoping the duo can spark a New England win against a 1-8 49ers team led by Colin Kaepernick.

Next: Patriots Week 11 Predictions: The Bounce Back Week

A win will help get the team back on track after a tough one score loss to Seattle.

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