Tom Brady To Re-Sign With Patriots? Maybe For 1 Day

FOXBOROUGH, MA — A day after Tom Brady announced his retirement from football "for good," the national conversation Thursday morning centered around him re-signing with the New England Patriots.

But Brady hasn't done another retirement U-turn. The former Patriots and Buccaneers quarterback just may become the next in a line of NFL and sports greats to sign a one-day contract in order to retire as a member of the team with which they are most associated.

NFL greats like Jerry Rice (49ers), LaDainian Tomlinson (Chargers) and Emmitt Smith (Cowboys) all signed these somewhat symbolic deals.

On Thursday morning, Patriots owner Robert Kraft appeared on "CNN This Morning" with Don Lemon and Poppy Harlow, where he was asked about the possibility of Brady, who played 20 seasons in New England, retiring as a member of the Patriots.

"I'd do it tomorrow," Kraft said. "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."

Kraft continued: "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."

On Wednesday morning, Brady, 45, announced via social media that he would be retiring after a 23-year career during which he appeared in 10 Super Bowls, winning seven.

From 2001 to 2018, Brady made 324 starts for the Patriots and led the team to six Super Bowl titles — and nine Super Bowls overall — winning the Super Bowl MVP four times.

Brady then played his final three seasons in Tampa Bay, leading that franchise to victory in Super Bowl LV in 2021.

On CNN Thursday, Kraft was asked to offer a final message to Brady.

"Tommy, I'm always here for you, you are part of our family," Kraft said. "I just love the guy so much and there isn't anything I wouldn't do for him, and I think he can do a lot of good things for America and reach out to a lot of people. Thank you for the time you gave us and everyone here in the New England region loves you and respects you and wants happiness for you in your life."