BLOOMINGTON, Minn. -- Appearing on the Not Done Network Thursday morning, Patriots team president Jonathan Kraft explained his comment to NBC's Andrea Kramer when he said Tom Brady has earned the right to decide when he retires, noting all players make that personal decision.
Within his answer Kraft called Brady the greatest competitor in professional sports, pointing to his performance in the AFC championship game.
"I don't think you have to tell any player they need to retire," Kraft said. "I think if you play in the National Football League, that is a players decision. A lot goes into whether or not you want to retire and it is personal. It is not just Tom-related, although Tom is obviously on his own level in so many different bases. He is just the greatest competitor to ever play professional sports. You think about last week's game — 40, you've won five Super Bowls, you have been to more than anybody, you have been the MVP of four, and on Wednesday that happens to your hand. Most mere mortals look for any excuse just to not keep pushing through and competing.
"I really believe he is the greatest competitor of all-time in professional sports, with no disrespect to anybody else. But, football is the hardest game physically. He has achieved so much. He's 40 years old and you have something happen like that four days before the game and look at the way he played against an amazing defense."
Brady is going for his sixth Super Bowl title Sunday night against the Eagles.
