Best Buddies Challenge kicks off with football game

BOSTON (WHDH) -- 7News’ Adam Williams and Dylan Dreyer teamed up with Patriots quarterback Tom Brady over at Harvard Stadium Friday evening to play football for a good cause.

This weekend is the Best Buddies Challenge -- the 100 mile ride to the Cape raising money for the developmentally disabled.

Tom Brady kicked things off a night early raising money and having a little fun on the field.

The team of All Stars took to the field, including 7News’ Adam Williams and Dylan Dreyer in the Tom Brady football challenge for Best Buddies at Harvard Stadium.

Off the field, Rob Gronkowski signed autographs. Patriots like Julian Edelman pitched in to support Brady and the cause.

“When a teammate like Tommy asks you to come out, he does a lot for the community and does a lot for guys and he’s one of our leaders -- you’re going to say yes,” said Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman.

7’s Adam Williams threw himself into the game, diving right into it. And his teammates took notice.

“You look a little winded, I need to get you in better shape next year,” Tom Brady told Adam.

“Keep your morning job,” Julian Edelman told Adam.

7's Dylan Dreyer played in the fourth quarter. Everyone tried to step up the level of play to help the group support people with intellectual disabilities.

“It’s hard to get people to pay attention to this issue,” said Anthony Shriver, Best Buddies. “There are so many other issues that are out there that people resonate with that are maybe sort of sexier and cooler than ours, but people with special needs really need the leg up and we’re here to help them do that.”

Friday night was just the start of a busy weekend for Tom Brady, Adam Williams and many of the participants. They will bike in Saturday's Best Buddies Challenge. It’s 100 miles from Dorchester to Hyannisport. The event raises money to help people with intellectual disabilities