Robert Kraft on Tom Brady: ‘I love him like a son’
Tom Brady has made the stunning announcement that he won’t be returning to the New England Patriots.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who has long shared a remarkable bond with the soon-to-be departed quarterback, has issued his first reaction to the news that Brady’s tenure with organization is at its end after two decades and six Super Bowl victories.
Brady surfaced on social media to share a statement in which he relayed that his “football journey will take place elsewhere.” Brady also stressed, however, that he is “FOREVER A PATRIOT” and expressed gratitude to the organization, Bill Belichick and Kraft.
FOREVER A PATRIOT pic.twitter.com/QSBOJBs4uy
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) March 17, 2020
Brady went on to share another statement in which he thanked Patriots fans for all their support over the past 20 years.
LOVE YOU PATS NATION pic.twitter.com/lxSQZmnjPL
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) March 17, 2020
Kraft has since shared his initial reaction to the news with Mike Reiss of ESPN as well as how things played out over the past day.
Robert Kraft to ESPN: "Tommy initiated contact last night & came over. We had a positive, respectful discussion. It's not the way I want it to end, but I want him to do what is in his best personal interest. After 20 years with us, he has earned that right. I love him like a son"
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) March 17, 2020
The fact that Brady will no longer be a Patriot will obviously force the organization to chart an entirely new course, both in the short- and long-term. Kraft understandably feels a dose of nostalgia, not to mention some regret, over the news.
It’s also clear, however, that his fondness for Brady presumably means he wants nothing but the best for a man, who in his own words, he has learned to love like a son.
