Robert Kraft recently shared an emotional account of the day Tom Brady informed him of his decision to leave the New England Patriots, likening it to the heartbreak of losing a child. Brady, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, spent 20 seasons with the Patriots, winning six Super Bowl titles during his legendary tenure.
However, in 2020, after two decades of dominance in New England, Brady chose to depart from the team and start a new chapter with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
During an interview on The Breakfast Club, Kraft recalled the poignant moment when a tearful Brady arrived at his home to deliver the news. It was a difficult day for both men, as Kraft explained how deeply connected they had become over the years.
“When we did the last contract with him, I promised him that I wouldn’t allow Bill [Belichick] or the team to franchise tag him,” Kraft said. “I told him, ‘If you don’t want to stay here after this contract, you’ll decide.’ I’ll never forget—it was March, and Tom lived just down the street from me. He came to my house, and when I opened the door, he was crying. He hugged me and said, ‘I’ve made a decision. I’m going to leave the Patriots after 20 years.’”
For Kraft, the day was one of the most emotionally challenging moments in his long career as Patriots owner. “It was one of the worst days of my life,” Kraft admitted. “It felt like losing a child. Tom cried the whole time as he told me, and I understood it. He’d been in a very difficult situation for the last decade, but he’s an amazing human being. To this day, he’s part of my family, and I love him dearly.”
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Despite the sadness of parting ways, Kraft kept his promise to Brady, allowing him to leave without placing the franchise tag on him. Brady’s departure, while difficult for Patriots fans, opened a new chapter in his career.
He went on to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he won his seventh Super Bowl in 2020, further solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
Since retiring from the NFL in February 2023, the 47-year-old Brady has embarked on new ventures. He signed a lucrative 10-year, $375 million deal to become a lead analyst for FOX Sports, offering his insights on the game from the broadcasting booth.
But his ambitions extend beyond commentary—Brady is also nearing a deal to become a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders. Back in May 2023, he agreed to become a limited partner in the franchise, but the transaction has yet to be officially finalized.
However, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Brady’s bid to acquire approximately 10% of the Raiders is expected to be approved following the NFL’s fall owners’ meetings.
To move forward, 24 out of the 32 league owners must approve the purchase, a decision that sources say is essentially a “formality” at this point. Brady’s offer was previously unanimously approved by the league’s finance committee, signaling strong support for his involvement in the team’s ownership group.
As Brady continues to transition into this next phase of his career, his legacy on and off the field continues to evolve. From his emotional farewell to the Patriots to his burgeoning roles as a broadcaster and potential team owner, it’s clear that his influence on the NFL will endure for years to come.
