Robert Kraft on Tom Brady Leaving Patriots: 'I Love Him Like a Son'

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft has said he loves Tom Brady "like a son" after it was confirmed the quarterback would be leaving the franchise after 20 years.

Per Mike Reiss of ESPN, Kraft said he spoke with Brady the day before the 42-year-old announced his decision to leave New England:

Brady, a six-time Super Bowl winner with the Patriots, posted the following messages on Twitter on Tuesday, confirming he will test free agency ahead of the new season:

Per NFL reporter Albert Breer, there was hope an agreement between the quarterback and the Patriots could still be reached Monday: 

Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network noted the lack of urgency from both sides when it came to sorting out an extension: 

Since being picked up in the sixth round of the 2020 draft, Brady has helped New England become the NFL's dominant force.

The quarterback has developed a reputation for not only being one of the most accurate passers in the game but also a player who delivers his best performances on the biggest stages. His three Super Bowl MVP accolades are indicative of his ability to shine under pressure.

Last season, New England and Brady failed to live up to the high standards they set for themselves in recent years. A loss to the Miami Dolphins in the final week of the regular season put them in an AFC Wild Card clash with the Tennessee Titans, which they lost on home soil.

The challenge for Kraft and the Patriots will be moving into a new era without Brady's quality and leadership on the field. As things stand, Jarrett Stidham and Cody Kessler are the quarterback options at Foxborough.