Robert Kraft shares how Tom Brady reacted to Patriots homecoming offer

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft opened up about how retired quarterback Tom Brady reacted to a homecoming invite for the upcoming NFL season. 

"We always knew he was a Patriot at heart and we wanted him back here — and we want our fans to be able to recognize everything he did for us and how special he is," Kraft recently told Jenna Lemoncelli of the New York Post about Brady. "When I made him the offer he accepted right away… And, I mean, the demand for tickets for that game is unbelievable, so we look forward to honoring him." 

Brady played for the Patriots from 2000 through the 2019 season and helped the franchise win six Super Bowl titles before he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in March 2020. Subsequent stories suggested Brady and Patriots head coach Bill Belichick had a falling out before TB12's departure, but both have poured cold water over such claims. 

Brady retired "for good" in February, and the Patriots announced in May they're honoring the seven-time Super Bowl champion during their home opener against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 10. Brady noted being welcomed back to Gillette Stadium "was such a kind gesture by" Kraft. 

"Tom has been such a special part of my life for the last [23 or 24 years] — 20 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," Kraft added. "Unfortunately, after 20 years of service to the team, he had to leave." 

Regardless of ongoing rumors, Brady insists he's committed to remaining a spectator after his first retirement in 2022 lasted fewer than two months. Even if Brady experiences a change of heart, Kraft understands he's fortunate to have employed the future Hall of Famer for two decades. 

"I think about how lucky we are that the NFL is just a little over 100 years old," Kraft explained. "And we’ve been privileged to have the greatest player in the history of the game play for our team for over 20% of the life of the NFL. It’s pretty special."