Tom Brady is retired, this time definitely, probably for real. And New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft wants the greatest quarterback of all time to retire with a New England jersey on his back.
Speaking on “CNN This Morning” Thursday, Kraft said he would like to see Brady sign a one-day contract with the team he’s managed for 20 years.
“I would do it tomorrow,” Kraft said via Patriots.com when asked about the possibility by hosts Don Lemon and Poppy Harlow. “It’s not just me who wants it, our fans are clamoring for it and for us, he’s always been and always will be a Patriot … We’re going to do everything we can to get him back. It is patriotic and to find ways to honor him for many years to come. He did so much to bring life and joy to our community and he is a beloved figure and has earned the respect and love that people feel for him like none of our athletes. city, and we’ve had some great cities.”
Brady, 45, officially retired Wednesday after 23 years in the NFL (20 with the Patriots, three with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers). He released the video exactly one year after his first retirement announcement, which he rescinded 40 days later to return to the NFL and play the 2022 season. This time around, Brady says his retirement is “good.”
Kraft has wanted Brady to retire with the Pats for years
This isn’t the first time Kraft has said publicly that he wants Brady to retire as a member of the Patriots. On October 3, 2021, Kraft was interviewed on NFL Network hours before Brady returned to Foxboro Stadium after signing with the Bucks in 2020 (and winning a Super Bowl in a Tampa Bay uniform). Kraft praised Brady lavishly and made it clear he wanted him to retire with the Pats.
“I’m always rooting for Tommy, except when he’s playing us,” Patriots owner Willie McGinest, the former New England quarterback, said on NFL Network. “Ultimately, I hope and I believe he’ll be back here and we’ll give him his red jacket and he’ll retire from Patriot.”
Now the question is, will Brady accept? It’s possible he may need more time away from the game because the Bucs had a disappointing season and he recently ended his 10-year marriage to supermodel Gisele Bundchen. But it’s probably also hard to resist the invitation to be loved, praised and adored by the team that gave you the opportunity to become the greatest QB ever.
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