Robert Kraft reveals how an emotional Tom Brady couldn’t stop crying the day he decided to leave the Patriots
New England Patriots head coach Robert Kraft revealed why both Tom Brady and Bill Belichick left the franchise to start new careers elsewhere.
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Robert Kraft, Bill Belichick and Tom Brady (Image via IMAGO)
The news of Tom Brady leaving the New England Patriots hit like a meteorite crashing down on the surface of the earth. The entire football world was shocked because none in their wildest dreams ever could have predicted such an outcome, but Patriots owner Robert Kraft had a hint.
Kraft was among the few who had a front-row seat of what was going on behind the curtains of the record-time AFC East and Super Bowl winners. On the fateful day when Brady knocked on his door, according to Kraft, the 15x Pro Bowler cried a river. Kraft said it was like cutting off a part of himself.
Kraft recently appeared on ‘The Breakfast Club’ podcast and recalled the days leading up to Brady announcing his decision. Even if he wanted to join a different team, then they would allow him to do so and refrain from using the franchise tag.
He cried that whole time when he had to leave us. I understood it. He lived under an arrangement that was very difficult for him the last decade… He’s an amazing human being. He’s part of my family, to this day, and I love him dearly.
Robert Kraft revealed
Tom Brady visited Robert Kraft’s house crying the day he decided he would leave the #Patriots — Kraft says Brady and Bill Belichick not getting along influenced Brady’s decision.
— Carlos Talks Pats (@LosTalksPats) October 14, 2024
“When I did the last contract with him, which would have completed 20 years with us. I said, ‘Look,… pic.twitter.com/tNOgI0c2Mh
Even though they were actively seeking a seventh ring, which could have put to rest the GOAT debate once and for all, Brady’s sudden departure ended that dream.
Robert Kraft revealed the reason behind partying ways with Bill Belichick after Tom Brady’s departure
Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots mutually parted ways with one another in January 2024 after a two-decade run, winning six Super Bowls.
Belichick was slowly losing control over the Patriots, and it reflected on his team’s performance on the field. In his final season, the Patriots finished bottom of the AFC East with a 4-13 record—the worst of Belichick’s career. The veteran owner revealed he wanted it to keep working with Belichick, but it was finally time to move on.
I didn’t enjoy having to fire him, but if you look at the press conference and how it happened, I tried to do it in a classy way. And what he did for us was great. People need to adapt and if they don’t, things can change.
Robert Kraft said
He admitted to transferring a lot of power to the 72-year-old. Besides coaching the team, he also had a say in hiring personnel for the coaching staff.
I had given him so much power. He had full control over everything. And shame on me, I should’ve had some checks and balances better.
Robert Kraft added
It might sound like a regimental program, but it also resulted in the most Super Bowl victories for any team over a sustained period. Eventually, when the Pats started losing after Tom Brady left, Kraft decided that they had to make a judgment call. Elsewhere, after taking a break from coaching, Belichick has been strongly linked with the vacant position at the Jets.
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Ishan Misra
(3107 Articles Published)