Robert Kraft tells CNN he needs Tom Brady to signal a one-day contract and retire as a New England Patriot

CNN
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New England Patriots proprietor Robert Kraft informed CNN on Thursday that he needs Tom Brady to signal a one-day contract and formally retire as a Patriot.

“Not solely do I would like it, our followers are clamoring for it,” Kraft stated. “To us, he’s all the time has been and all the time can be a Patriot.

“We’ll do every part in our energy to convey him again, have him log off as a Patriot and discover methods to honor him for a few years to come back.”

Brady introduced his retirement from the NFL on Wednesday. Of his file seven Tremendous Bowl wins, six got here with New England. One other adopted with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Kraft shared a narrative of Brady – chosen at No. 199 general within the 2000 NFL draft – when the younger quarterback launched himself close to the tip of coaching camp.

The Patriots proprietor – who now tells CNN Brady ought to have been the highest decide that 12 months as an alternative of going within the sixth spherical – stated the long run seven-time Tremendous Bowl winner informed him, “I’m the perfect determination your franchise has ever made.”

“He was No. 4 in our depth chart,” Kraft stated. “He got here down, and he actually believed what he stated – and he was proper.”

The legendary quarterback announced his retirement after 23 seasons with a video message, the place the 45-year-old confirmed he was “retiring for good.”

He first retired in February 2022, however the determination proved short-term as he returned for yet another season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Brady informed his father, Tom Brady Sr., a couple of week in the past that he was retiring, in accordance with the elder Brady in a telephone interview with the Boston Globe on Wednesday.

“We’re not shocked by any means,” Brady’s dad informed the Globe. “He has performed soccer for 32 years out of his 45, dwelling his dream for three-fourths of his life. It’s been a beautiful experience. He’s very safe in his determination. It’s about time.”

“This has been a tough 12 months,” added Brady Sr. within the Globe interview. “I’m actually completely happy for Tommy from the standpoint that he’s going to have the ability to spend extra time together with his youngsters.

“He’s going out on his personal phrases, and he’s in good well being. He’s taken quite a lot of hits through the years — quite a lot of sacks, quite a lot of knockdowns. I’m thrilled that he received’t get knocked down once more.”

Throughout his lengthy profession, three-time league MVP Brady has damaged nearly each passing file, together with common season passing yards (89,214) and passing touchdowns (649). He has additionally amassed essentially the most wins of any participant in NFL historical past (251).