Boston Red Sox legend David Ortiz said regardless of Tom Brady's impending free agency decision, his legacy in Beantown has already been cemented.

Ortiz said even if Brady elects to sign with another franchise, he will ultimately be recognized for what he did with the Patriots (via Rob Bradford of WEEI):

“His legacy has already been built. It’s always there,” he added. “That’s not the problem. His problem is not going to be (the) legacy. He could go and play somewhere else for the next 10 years when he returns to New England his legacy is going to be there.”

Brady's free agency is stacking up to be one of the most impactful decisions in NFL history.

The lifelong Patriot has become arguably the greatest quarterback of all time in New England, winning six Super Bowl titles in addition to three league MVPs.

Ortiz also knows a thing or two about establishing a legacy in Boston. He had previously been a fledgling prospect with the Minnesota Twins, but a move to Boston in 2003 would change his career forever.

“Big Papi” became one of the most feared sluggers in baseball. He clubbed 483 homers and drove in over 1,500 runs as a member of the Red Sox. He was also regarded as one of the greatest postseason performers in the history of the game, finishing his career with a .289/.404/.543 slash line in October.

Ortiz is still revered in Boston, just as Brady has become synonymous with the Patriots.

But even if Brady leaves New England, he has rightfully earned the unending adulation of Boston sports fans, according to Ortiz.