Tom Brady insists that he’s retired for good this time, but there might be a small chance he re-signs with the New England Patriots. Team owner Robert Kraft told CNN that he’s interested in giving Brady a one-day contract so that the legendary quarterback can officially retire as a member of the Patriots.
“I’d do it tomorrow,” said Kraft Thursday when asked about the idea of giving Brady a one-day contract. “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. 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.”
Many legendary athletes have signed one-day contracts in order to retire as a member of the teams for which they spent most of their Hall of Fame careers. Jerry Rice returned to the San Francisco 49ers on a one-day contract after finishing his playing career with the Seattle Seahawks. The Dallas Cowboys brought Emmitt Smith back for a day so the all-time rushing leader could retire as a member of America’s Team instead of the Arizona Cardinals.
It’s unknown if Brady has any interest in going back to the Patriots on a ceremonial contract.
Brady has been quiet since he announced his retirement, posting a video about his decision that was reportedly filmed well before its release.
Brady spent the first 20 years of his NFL career in New England before playing three more seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The quarterback won six Super Bowl championships and three Super Bowl MVP awards with the Patriots. Brady and Patriots head coach Bill Belichick established the longest-running dynasty in NFL history.
“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,” Kraft said. “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.”
Brady retires as both the winningest and richest player in NFL history.
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