Patriots Owner Robert Kraft Reveals Tom Brady's Reaction to Week 1 Honor

Thoughts of lingering drama between Tom Brady and the New England Patriots were officially debunked by Robert Kraft.

The only thing more common than Vince Lombardi Trophy hoists for the New England Patriots during the Tom Brady era were threats of drama that constantly surrounded it, often brought about by claims of civil war between the quarterback, head coach Bill Belichick and owner Robert Kraft.

One had to figure that Brady would inevitably be honored by the organization that hosted him for two decades upon his retirement, even if he didn't spend his final days in New England. Such a ceremony will indeed come to pass on Sept. 10, when the Patriots kick off their 2023 season against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Speaking with the New York Post, Kraft said that Brady immediately accepted the honor and is looking forward to game day, which will mark the first Patriots game without him on any NFL roster since the end of the 1999 season.

"When I made him the offer he accepted right away," Kraft told The Post. "I mean, the demand for tickets for that game is unbelievable, so we look forward to honoring him.

“We always knew he was a Patriot at heart and we wanted him back here. We want our fans to be able to recognize everything he did for us and how special he is."

Though Brady ended his playing career as a Tampa Bay Buccaneer and is spending retirement active with other organizations (i.e. the Las Vegas Raiders/Fox Sports), the idea that he wouldn't be honored by the Patriots would have to be downright absurd. Brady helped kickstart Foxborough football's gridiron dominance, guiding the way to each of their six championship victories, setting countless NFL records, and creating unforgettable highlights.

Kraft is pleased that he's able to honor Brady, whom he referred to as a man who left an impression upon him as both a professional and as a human being.

"Tom has been such a special part of my life for the last (23 or 24 years)," Kraft said. "Twenty years with us and, you know, seeing him grow from a young man right out of college and evolve in relationships where he had, three children.”

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Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags

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