Tom Brady surprises fans at NHL Winter Classic with college football twist
Tom Brady recently made an appearance at the 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic in Miami. The football legend visited loanDepot park to take part in the event, where the Florida Panthers faced the New York Rangers. His visit included a few special moments linked to the world of college football.
Brady arrived at the stadium ahead of the game, which kicked off at 8 p.m. ET and was broadcast on HBO Max, truTV, TNT, and other networks. During his time there, he got the chance to see and interact with the Stanley Cup, a rare opportunity for someone outside the sport.
Before the match, Brady revealed he had put together a fantasy college football team for the Winter Classic. His lineup featured six NFL players, though none were actually selected to play in the game itself. The Panthers also presented him with a custom No. 12 jersey, matching his famous football number. Despite his involvement in the Winter Classic, Brady was not officially part of the event as a player. Just weeks earlier, on December 3, 2025, he had taken part in the FIFA 2026 World Cup draw alongside Wayne Gretzky and other figures.
Brady’s visit added a cross-sport highlight to the Winter Classic. The custom jersey and his interaction with the Stanley Cup marked a unique connection between college football and hockey. The event itself saw the Panthers host the Rangers in a widely televised match at loanDepot park.
