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Robert Kraft says Patriots 'will do everything in our power' to sign Tom Brady to one-day contract

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft says he wants to sign newly retired quarterback Tom Brady to a one-day contract so the seven-time Super Bowl winner and three-time NFL MVP can retire with the team that drafted him.

Brady retired after 23 seasons on Wednesday, ending one of the most prolific careers in pro sports, saying "I'm retiring. For good."

"Not only do I want it, our fans are clamoring for it," Kraft told CNN. "To us, he is always, has been and always will be a Patriot.

"We will do everything in our power to bring him back, have him sign off as a Patriot, and find ways to honor him for many years to come."

Kraft says Brady, whom the Patriots drafted out of Michigan in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL draft, told him near the end of his first training camp that Brady was "the best decision your franchise has ever made."

FILE - New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, left, embraces quarterback Tom Brady after defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 21, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots won 24-20. Tom Brady has retired after winning seven Super Bowls and setting numerous passing records in an unprecedented 22-year-career. He made the announcement, Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022, in a long post on Instagram. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson, File)

"He was No. 4 in our depth chart. He came down, and he really believed what he said – and he was right.

"He should have been the No. 1 pick in the draft, not 199 in the sixth round."

Brady leaves the NFL as the NFL's leader in passing yards, touchdowns and playoff wins.  The 45-year old will next head to the FOX broadcast booth, where he reportedly signed a 10 year deal, paying him $375 million.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tom Brady back to Patriots? Owner Robert Kraft wants to sign iconic QB