Tom Brady’s return to New England in September was a jubilant occasion for the former Patriots quarterback, marked by celebration and nostalgia. However, amidst the joy, there was a tinge of remorse felt. During the 2023 season opener at Gillette Stadium, where Brady was honored at halftime, a group of Brady’s family members attended the event. According to Tom Brady Sr., team owner Robert Kraft expressed regret for the franchise-altering decision to let Brady go after the 2019 season, stating, “He just said, ‘I made a mistake.’ He told us that back in September.”
Brady Sr. acknowledged that everyone makes decisions, not all of which are correct, but emphasized Kraft’s admission of the error. Kraft’s remorse became more evident as the Patriots faced a decline while Brady continued to excel, winning two more seasons before retiring. This sentiment was highlighted in ESPN’s recent column about the Patriots dynasty, where Seth Wickersham revealed that Kraft needled Belichick after Brady’s success with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, underscoring the impact of Kraft’s “mistake.” With Belichick no longer in the picture, Kraft faces the challenge of making tough decisions to restore the Patriots’ success experienced during Brady’s tenure.