Not only is this a tough day for Patriots fans, but also owner Robert Kraft, who has been on record for several, several years saying he loves Brady like a son.
The Patriots owner released a statement via ESPN on Brady announcing Tuesday morning he's leaving New England.
"Tommy initiated contact last night and came over," he said. "We had a positive, respectful discussion. It's not the way I want it to end, but I want him to do what is in his best personal interest. After 20 years with us, he has earned that right. I love him like a son."
It also does not appear like the Patriots made much of an effort to negotiate a deal to keep him.
According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, the Patriots' stance was wondering what Brady wanted to do, and did he think New England was the best place to win? When Brady never said anything to them, that was where things stood and then he posted his message to social media Tuesday morning.
NBC Sports Boston's Tom E. Curran added a "tangible effort" by the Patriots to keep him never occurred.
Brady now counts $13.5 million against the cap for 2020 due to the way his contract was structured. Based on what the Patriots' situation is financially, there really wasn't going to be enough money available to pay him what he was looking for.
The 42-year-old has a few teams interested as of now -- the Chargers and Buccaneers -- and it wouldn't be a surprise to see a few more teams get into the mix now that it is official he won't be back in New England.
