It's been four years since Tom Brady left the New England Patriots, a very long and grueling four years at that, but the decision to leave still remains as emotional as ever.
In the upcoming finale of The Dynasty: New England Patriots, the 10-part Apple TV documentary chronicling the highs and lows of the team's dynastic run, Brady recalled meeting with owner Robert Kraft and coach Bill Belichick to inform them of his decision.
"He [Kraft] said 'I think we should call Bill,' and then when Bill answered, it was emotional," Brady said in a preview clip for the finale released by People magazine. "Because, again, it was a chapter coming to an end, and I expressed that to Bill, too."
Belichick and Kraft also shared their recounts of that fateful day, but in very different ways. Stoic as ever, Belichick said that Brady's decision to leave was "kind of what I expected," but also added a bit of emotion as he said "saying goodbye is always hard." On the other hand, Kraft, being there in person, was able to reflect on the emotions both he and Brady went through.
"We walked into the room, he said 'I've decided to move on," Kraft said. "And as soon as he said it, he started crying. And his crying told me everything I needed to know."
Brady, 43 at the time, reportedly wanted a two-year, $50 million contract after the 2019 season, which the Patriots opted not to give him. He ultimately signed for the same amount with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in March of 2020, and would then go on to lead them to a Super Bowl LV title in his first season with his new team.
The Patriots dynasty crumbled once Brady left, ultimately culminating in Belichick's departure following a dismal 2023 season. That said, Brady, Belichick and Kraft were the three pillars of the greatest dynasty the NFL has ever seen and likely will ever seen, and nothing can ever take that away from them.
"Life is very imperfect, and relationships are imperfect, but.. I'm very proud of our journey," Brady said. "It was hard, but it was great."
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