New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady says he will not attend a Wednesday White House visit celebrating the team's Super Bowl victory, citing "personal family matters."

"I am so happy and excited that our team is being honored at the White House today. Our team has accomplished something very special that we are all proud of and will be for years to come," Brady said in a statement.

"In light of some recent developments, I am unable to attend today's ceremony, as I am attending to some personal family matters."

According to reports, Brady's mother has been ill and attended just one game this season. She is currently in Boston.

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The Patriots won 34-28 against the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI in February after a record-breaking comeback during the game. As is tradition, the Super Bowl winners were invited to the White House.

Six of Brady's teammates said they would not attend the ceremony, most of them in protest against President Trump. Patriots owner Robert Kraft, coach Bill Belichick and Brady are all friends with Trump.

Former Patriots star Aaron Hernandez died early Wednesday after hanging himself in his prison cell, The Associated Press reported, the same day of the scheduled team visit.

The former Patriots tight end was serving a life sentence for a murder conviction in 2013. He played with the team from 2010 to 2012.