Patriots owner Robert Kraft believes Tom Brady will retire in New England

Up until the last months of Tom Brady’s tenure in New England, Patriots owner Robert Kraft was consistent in saying his quarterback would retire a Patriot.

Despite Brady taking off last year for Tampa Bay, there’s a chance he could someday end his career in New England with a ceremonial 1-day contract. At least, that’s what Kraft expects.

“I’m always rooting for Tommy, except when he’s playing us,” Kraft told former Patriots linebacker Willie McGinest during the NFL Network’s pregame show Sunday. “In the end, I hope and believe he’ll come back here, and we’ll give him his red jacket, and he’ll retire a Patriot.”

Kraft’s answer came in response to a question about whether he was happy to see Brady win a Super Bowl with the Buccaneers last season.

“If we can’t win it, I was happy he won it. I know that is strange, but he did so much for us,” Kraft began. “And look, we had 20 great years. How many other situations are there in the 102-year history of the NFL where a coach and a quarterback have remained the same for 20 years? I don’t think there is another situation. Life has its twists and turns.”

Under Kraft’s ownership, the Patriots have welcomed back ex-players who signed 1-day contracts to retire with the team. Former nose tackle Vince Wilfork did so in 2017, after cornerback Ty Law returned for a retirement ceremony in 2011. Brady signed a 1-year contract extension with the Bucs last offseason for $25 million guaranteed, a deal that will bind him to the team through 2022.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/3Da66EU