Patriots Fans Fooled By Fake Antonio Gibson-Tom Brady #12 Jersey Post

The New England Patriots largely stood pat in free agency, choosing to be patient and not break the bank for high-profile veterans. One signing they made, however, was adding Antonio Gibson from the Washington Commanders as a depth option at running back.

The 25-year-old rusher's Patriots career started with a little bit of social media controversy. Gibson posted a photo from the locker room showing his new jersey number in Foxborough. It looked like he was switching to No. 21 after rocking No. 24 in Washington for four seasons.

However, for some reason, an image began circulating online with the #12 next to Gibson's name in the locker room. This obviously started a rumor that the Patriots were not honoring Tom Brady's iconic jersey number.

The Patriots giving No. 12 to anyone seems far-fetched, but giving to a recent free-agent signing who projects to be the RB2 next season is absolutely crazy.

Patriots Fans Fooled by Doctored Image of Antonio Gibson's New Number

Unfortunately, enough Patriots fans were tricked by this false rumor and photoshopped image. It was later revealed that Gibson posted a photo with his new number #21 in his Instagram story and that photo was doctored.

Plus, the Patriots gave Tom Brady a ceremony during the 2023 season in a game against the Eagles, where they retired his jersey number. He will be inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame in June 2024.

It's hard to imagine any Patriot wearing the No. 12 ever again. But it was certainly not going to be Antonio Gibson, only two years removed from Brady's retirement.

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