Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft and Head Coach Bill Belichick released statements recognizing quarterback Tom Brady following news of his retirement.
Kraft shared the following remarks about the future hall-of-fame quarterback.
“I am so proud of Tommy. He has accomplished everything there is to achieve in this game, and so much more. No player in NFL history has done it as well for as long as Tom Brady. He is the fiercest competitor I have ever known and the ultimate champion. He led the Patriots to two decades of unprecedented dominance. He is truly the greatest of all time. Words cannot adequately express the gratitude, my family, the New England Patriots, and our fans have for everything he has done. It’s been a blessing for me to watch him grow, first as a young professional on the field, but most importantly, as a person off it. He is one of the most loving, caring, and passionate players I have ever known and I will always consider him a part of our family.”
Belichick, meanwhile, took time to look back on Brady’s work ethic and impact on him as a coach.
“Tom Brady was the ultimate winner. He entered the NFL with little to no fanfare and leaves as the most successful player in league history. His relentless pursuit of excellence drove him on a daily basis. His work ethic and desire to win were both motivational and inspirational to teammates and coaches alike. Tom was a true professional who carried himself with class and integrity throughout his career. I thank Tom for the positive impact he had on me and on the Patriots and congratulate him on his amazing career.”
For 20 years, the pillars of Brady, Belichick, and Kraft helped create an unprecedented run as the NFL’s premiere franchise. Along the way, the trio set records and most importantly tied the league record for Super Bowl championships. With Brady’s playing days seemingly over, there will be even more tributes and ceremonies likely coming his way in the coming months.
Speaking with CNN Thursday, Kraft expressed that he was open to signing Brady to a one-day contract so that he could retire as a Patriot.
“I’d do it tomorrow,” said Kraft “Not only do I want it, but our fans are also clamoring for it and to us, he always has been and always will be a Patriot…We’ll do everything we can in our power to bring him back, sign off as a Patriot, and find ways to honor him for many years to come. He did so much to bring life and good cheer to our community and he’s a beloved figure and he’s earned the respect and love that people feel for him like no other athlete in our town and we’ve had some great ones.”
Patriots Owner Bob Kraft joins @PoppyHarlowCNN and @donlemon to talk @TomBrady retirement after 20 years with the New England Patriots and six Super Bowls together. pic.twitter.com/B5JCpK3dQv
— CNN This Morning with Kasie Hunt (@CNNThisMorning) February 2, 2023
Presently the Patriots Hall of Fame has a rule that each candidate must be four years removed from their playing or coaching career to be eligible for induction, but perhaps an exception will be made for the best player in franchise history this summer. Stay tuned.
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