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Kraft: 'We'll do everything' to get Brady to retire as Patriot

Jim Rogash / Getty Images Sport / Getty

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft wants nothing more than for Tom Brady to sign a one-day contract and officially end his career where it started.

"I'd do it tomorrow," Kraft said Thursday on CNN, according to Patriots team reporter Mike Dussault. "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."

The legendary quarterback announced his retirement Wednesday morning after 23 seasons in the NFL. Brady built the Patriots into one of sports' greatest dynasties, winning six Super Bowls with New England. He also led the franchise to the postseason on 17 occasions.

"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," Kraft added.

Brady played the first 20 seasons of his career in New England before signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a free agent during the 2020 offseason. He spent the final three years of his career in Tampa Bay and won his seventh and final Super Bowl during his first season as a Buccaneer.

The 45-year-old briefly retired last offseason before returning to the Buccaneers less than two months later. Brady said that Wednesday's retirement was "for good."

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