Robert Kraft Says Tom Brady Leaving Patriots 'Is Not the Way I Want It to End': 'I Love Him'
Tom Brady Announces He's Leaving the Patriots: 'It Is Time for Me to Open a New Stage'
Tom Brady was drafted by the New England Patriots back in 2000 and has spent his entire NFL career with the team
Tom Brady‘s goodbye isn’t easy for most New Englanders — but especially not for Patriots owner Robert Kraft.
Brady announced that he is leaving the New England Patriots after 20 years with the NFL team in a statement on Tuesday.
After the news broke, Kraft, 78, shared his reaction with ESPN in a statement.
“Tommy initiated contact last night & came over. We had a positive, respectful discussion,” Kraft said of the 42-year-old quarterback. “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.”
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
RELATED: Who Is Robert Kraft? Everything to Know About Patriots Owner
In his announcement on Tuesday, Brady thanked Kraft, among others associated with the team.
Jessica Rinaldi/The Boston Globe via Getty Images
“To all my teammates, coaches, executives and staff, Coach Belichick, RKK and the Kraft family and the entire organization,” said Brady. “I want to say thank you for the past twenty years of my life and the daily commitment to winning and creating a winning culture built on values. I am grateful for all that you have taught me — I have learned from everyone.”
A post shared by Tom Brady (@tombrady) on Mar 17, 2020 at 5:43am PDT
“You all have allowed me to maximize my potential and that is all a player can ever hope for,” Brady continued. “Everything we have accomplished brings me great joy and the lessons I have learned will carry on with me forever. I couldn’t be the man I am today without the relationships you have allowed me to build with you. I have benefited from all you have given me. I cherished every opportunity I had to be a part of our team, and I love you all for that.”
It is unclear, yet, where Brady is headed.
