During an appearance on ESPN’s “NFL Countdown,” team owner Robert Kraft laid out how the New England Patriots plan to welcome Tom Brady back to Gillette Stadium on Sunday night.
Kraft said the Patriots will run a pregame video tribute to Brady and also will stop the game to recognize the quarterback if and when he breaks the all-time NFL passing record. Brady needs just 68 yards to surpass Drew Brees, which could happen as early as the first quarter.
“I want everyone in this building to know, right before the Buccaneers come out, you look at the big board, and for one minute, we’re going to run something that I think is very respectful and worthy,” Kraft said on ESPN. “And if he winds up breaking the record — although I guess in some ways, I hope he doesn’t — but realistically, he will. The game will stop, and we will honor that moment out of respect to him as a great athlete.”
This will be Brady’s first game against the team he led to six Super Bowl championships. Kraft was asked about the conflicting emotions of facing off against a player who brought his franchise so much success.
“I don’t think they’re going to be conflicted,” he replied. “We all have love and respect, but we all want to win.”
The Patriots, who overhauled their roster this offseason, enter this primetime matchup at 1-2 with two home losses. The defending champion Bucs are 2-1 and coming off a road loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
“In some ways, it would be great if this game was happening 10, 12 games into the season when the new players have really matured and we have the chemistry,” Kraft said. “The team’s still evolving and developing. But look, you’ve got to act. When the opportunity comes, you’ve got to grab it. And let’s hope the right things happen today.”
Starting against Brady in this game will be rookie quarterback Mac Jones, who’s shown promise as a young starter this season. Kraft was asked about his expectations for the first-round draft pick, whom the teams hopes will be its franchise QB for the foreseeable future.
“He works very hard,” Kraft said. “He’s understated. He’s one of the first in, the last to leave. He’s handled some tough times these first few games, (and) he gets up. He’s a true Patriot, and I think we’re going to be very happy we drafted him.”
Kickoff Sunday night is set for 8:20 p.m. ET.
