One day after former Patriots quarterback Tom Brady retired, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft went on CNN to discuss the aftermath of Brady’s retirement. He told CNN that Brady is welcome to come to New England and retire as a Patriot.
“Not only do I want it, our fans are clamoring for it,” Kraft said. “To us, he is always has been and always will be a Patriot. “We will do everything in our power to bring him back, have him sign off as a Patriot and find ways to honor him for many years to come.”
The Patriots drafted the quarterback during the sixth round of the 2000 NFL draft. Brady later took over for the injured Drew Bledsoe and started his Hall of Fame career. In the following years, Brady would transform the New England Patriots and make them one of the greatest dynasties in all sports. The 45-year-old left New England in 2019 and signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brady would later lead the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl title, winning his seventh Super Bowl. No other franchise has more than six championships.
Wednesday morning Tom Brady posted a video to Twitter saying his retirement would be “for good.” 365 days ago, Brady posted a long sentimental post, saying he is retiring from the NFL, but later in the offseason, Brady would rescind his statement and suit up for his 23rd season.
When the Buccaneers visited the Patriots during the 2021 season, Brady told reporters “Boston would always be home.”
Later in his interview, Kraft said, “He did so much to bring life and good cheer to our community.” “He’s a beloved figure, and he’s earned respect and love that people feel for him like no other athlete in our town, and we’ve had some great ones.”
According to the Boston Globe, Brady told his father, Tom Brady Sr., around a week ago he would be stepping away from football. In an interview with the globe on Wednesday, Brady Sr. spoke on his son’s retirement “We’re not shocked by any means… he has played football for 32 years out of his 45, living his dream for three-fourths of his life. It’s been a wonderful ride. He’s very secure in his decision. It’s about time.”
Before his interview ended, Kraft was asked to share any last words “Well, Tommy, I’m always here for you. You are a part of our family,” Kraft said. “I just love the guy so much, and there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for him. And I think he can do a lot of good things for America and reach out to a lot of people. And thank you for the time you gave us. Everyone here in the New England region loves you and respects you and wants happiness for you in your life.”
A one-day contract isn’t unprecedented for the Patriots. In 2015, Patriots linebacker Willie McGinest signed a one-day contract with the Patriots before being inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame. In 2017, Pro Bowler Vince Wilfork signed a similar deal and retired as a Patriot. The writing seems written on the wall for Brady to retire a Patriot.
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My name is Ben Belford-Peltzman and I am the creator and writer of The Patriots Beat. I am a 17-year kid who is an optimistic pessimist about the City of Champions. I started The Patriots Beat in August of 2022 and never expected to grow so much but here we are. Feel free to email Thepatriotsbeat@gmail.com with any inquires.
