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Kraft will do ‘everything in our power’ to have Brady retire with Patriots on one-day deal

FOXBORO, Mass — Patriots owner Robert Kraft intends to put a capstone on Tom Brady’s Hall of Fame career by bringing him back to where it all began.

In a CNN interview Thursday morning, Kraft expressed his desire to sign Brady to a one-day contract with the franchise that drafted him and the future Hall-of-Famer won six Super Bowls with.

“I’d do it tomorrow,” Kraft told CNN hosts Don Lemon and Poppy Harlow. “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.”

Brady announced his retirement in a short video Wednesday morning. After a brief 40-day foray into retirement last offseason, Brady insists this time he’s hanging up the cleats “for good.”

Brady departed New England after the 2019 offseason, spending the final three seasons of his 23-year career with the Buccaneers. Brady, with an added seventh championship ring in tow, returned to Gillette Stadium in October 2021. Although Brady received a standing ovation, the Foxboro faithful left disappointed when Nick Folks’ game-winning 56-yard field goal in the game’s final minute hit the left upright and the Buccaneers escaped with the 19-17 victory.

Krat hopes Brady’s next appearance at Gillette is one the fans and the Patriot great will be able to enjoy together.

“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,” said Brady.

Even if Brady doesn’t end up putting pen to paper in New England one last time, it’s clear he’ll always have a home in Foxboro while Kraft is the owner.

“Tommy, I’m always here for you, you are part of our family,” said Kraft in a video posted to the Patriots’ Twitter on Thursday. “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.”

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick also released a statement Thursday, lauding his QB of 20 years 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.”

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