Robert Kraft releases statement on Tom Brady’s retirement

Even before Tom Brady got around to mentioning the Patriots as part of his retirement announcement, the Patriots were talking about him. Specifically, Patriots owner Robert Kraft.

Shortly after Brady’s announcement, the team released a statement on behalf of Kraft. It reads, in full:

“Words cannot describe the feelings I have for Tom Brady, nor adequately express the gratitude my family, the New England Patriots and our fans have for Tom for all he did during his career. A generation of football fans have grown up knowing only an NFL in which Tom Brady dominated. He retires with nearly every NFL career passing record, yet the only one that ever mattered to him was the team’s win-loss record. In his 20 years as a starter his teams qualified for the playoffs 19 times. He led his teams to 10 Super Bowls, winning an NFL-record seven championships. In a team sport like football, it is rare to see an individual have such a dominant impact on a team’s success. You didn’t have to be a Patriots fan to respect and appreciate his competitiveness, determination and will to win that fueled his success. As a fan of football, it was a privilege to watch. As a Patriots fan, it was a dream come true.

“I have the greatest respect for Tom personally and always will. His humility, coupled with his drive and ambition, truly made him special. I will always feel a close bond to him and will always consider him an extension of my immediate family.”

Kraft wasn’t alone in releasing a statement. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who famously butted heads with Brady during the Deflategate saga, called Brady “one of the greatest to play in the NFL.” You can read his full statement

A statement from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on the retirement of Tom Brady. pic.twitter.com/jkuDjeRVjE

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 1, 2022?s=20&t=YgsjNe1yFiQv5uEG4aMrgA" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here. NFL teams also chimed in, with the

this better be real

— New York Jets (@nyjets) February 1, 2022?s=20&t=YgsjNe1yFiQv5uEG4aMrgA" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jets,

Going to miss you, @TomBrady. pic.twitter.com/u0at0Ek1Ox

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) February 1, 2022?s=20&t=YgsjNe1yFiQv5uEG4aMrgA" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Colts, and

pic.twitter.com/CIkjkQsoOo

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) February 1, 2022?s=20&t=YgsjNe1yFiQv5uEG4aMrgA" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chargers all taking the joking route.

• Super Bowl LIII – New England Patriots v Los Angeles Rams

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  ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 03: Tom Brady of the New England Patriots embraces with Robert Kraft owner of the New England Patriots after the Patriots defeat the Rams 13-3 during Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

• Super Bowl LI – New England Patriots v Atlanta Falcons

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  HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots celebrates with Patriots owner Robert Kraft after the Patriots defeat the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 in overtime of Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

• AFC Championship – Jacksonville Jaguars v New England Patriots

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  FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 21: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots celebrates with owner Robert Kraft after winning the AFC Championship Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Gillette Stadium on January 21, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
• Kansas City Chiefs v New England Patriots

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  FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 07: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots shakes hands with New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft prior to the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Gillette Stadium on September 7, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

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Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.