Although it is his second retirement, Tom Brady is still getting plenty of love from around the NFL, the sports world, and the world as a whole. That of course includes tributes from the New England Patriots, the team that drafted him and he spent 20 of his 23 NFL seasons with, winning six of his seven championships.

Those tributes began pouring out of One Patriots Place almost immediately, with a barrage of social media content including a four-minute tribute video. Now, influential members of the organization are starting to share their thoughts on Brady, his career, and his decision to walk away from the game.

• 
  (Click here to subscribe to Patriots Audio on 98.5 The Sports Hub.)

• On Wednesday night, both Robert Kraft and Bill Belichick released statements through the team about Brady’s retirement.

  “I am so proud of Tommy,” Kraft’s statement began. “He has accomplished everything there is to achieve in this game, and so much more. No player in NFL history has done it as well for as long as Tom Brady. He is the fiercest competitor I have ever known and the ultimate champion.”

  “Tom Brady was the ultimate winner. He entered the NFL with little to no fanfare and leaves as the most successful player in league history,” Belichick said. “His relentless pursuit of excellence drove him on a daily basis.”

• “No player in NFL history has done it as well for as long as Tom Brady. He is the fiercest competitor I have ever known and the ultimate champion.”
  
  Robert Kraft on @TomBrady’s retirement: https://t.co/TZDa1afDic

  — New England Patriots (@Patriots) February 1, 2023

• “Tom Brady was the ultimate winner. He entered the NFL with little to no fanfare and leaves as the most successful player in league history.”
  
  Bill Belichick on @TomBrady's retirement: https://t.co/TZDa1afDic

  — New England Patriots (@Patriots) February 1, 2023

• The tributes are expected to continue, and could be in grandiose fashion. On Thursday morning, Kraft appeared on CNN to discus Brady’s retirement, and was asked the question many Patriots fans are wondering – would the team invite Brady back to sign a one-day contract and officially retire a Patriot.

  “Not only do I want it, our fans are clamoring for it. To us, he is always has been and always will be a Patriot,” Kraft said. “We will do everything in our power to bring him back, have him sign off as a Patriot and find ways to honor him for many years to come.”

  Kraft spoke for eight minutes not just about Brady’s retirement, but his career and their relationship. You can watch the full segment below.

• Patriots Owner Bob Kraft joins @PoppyHarlowCNN and @donlemon to talk @TomBrady retirement after 20 years with the New England Patriots and six Super Bowls together. pic.twitter.com/B5JCpK3dQv

  — CNN This Morning with Kasie Hunt (@CNNThisMorning) February 2, 2023

• Of course, the Patriots wanted to hold such a ceremony would only be half the picture. It would be contingent on Brady agreeing to take part as well.

  Still, there are plenty of ways the team will likely honor Brady in the near and not-as-near future. From putting him in the Patriots Hall of Fame to retiring his No. 12, there still should be a long line of tributes to come.

• 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 [email protected].

Sign me up for the 98.5 The Sports Hub email newsletter!

Get the latest Boston sports news and analysis, plus exclusive on-demand content and special giveaways from Boston's Home for Sports, 98.5 The Sports Hub.

First Name *

Last Name

Email *

Subscribe

By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.