Tom Brady officially announced his retirement from the NFL on Wednesday, ending one of the most decorated and long-running careers in the history of the game.
If Robert Kraft has his way, though, Brady's NFL career will last one more day. The Patriots owner, appearing Thursday morning on CNN, said he wants the GOAT to sign a one-day contract so he can officially retire as a Patriot after representing the franchise for 20 years.
"I'd do it tomorrow," Kraft said of the possibility (via Patriots.com). "Not only do I want it, our fans are 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."
Added Kraft: "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."
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Brady left New England following the 2019 season, eventually landing with the Buccaneers, with whom he won a Super Bowl in his first season. The following season, Tampa Bay traveled to Gillette Stadium to take on Brady's former team, upending the Patriots at home 19-17.
Brady's triumphs in Tampa Bay clearly haven't created any animosity between him and Kraft, as the two have had a years-long friendship. It's easy to see why, considering Brady and coach Bill Belichick led the Patriots to six Super Bowl victories in New England on top of three more appearances. Brady's stats with the Patriots are staggering: a 219-64 record, 6,377 completions out of 9,988 attempts (63.8 percent), 74,571 passing yards and 541 touchdowns to 179 interceptions.
Kraft also gave the following message to Brady in his CNN appearance:
"Tommy, I'm always here for you, you are 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.
"Thank you for the time you gave us and everyone here in the New England region loves you and respects you and wants happiness for you in your life."
