Tom Brady eventually acknowledged the Patriots in a tweet on Tuesday, after the quarterback failed to mention his former team hours earlier in his retirement announcement.
Brady replied to a tweet by the Patriots that included a statement from owner Robert Kraft reacting to the retirement news.
“Thank You Patriots Nation,” Brady wrote with a red heart emoji. “I’m beyond grateful. Love you all.”
The Patriots added in their tweet, “A privilege to watch and a dream come true.”
Brady also reposted Kraft’s statement to his Instagram Story and thanked the Patriots. He reiterated his previous tweet.
The Patriots shared a separate tweet with a cartoon image of Brady wearing his old jersey, riding into the sunset on a boat with seven Super Bowl trophies.
“It was quite the ride. Thank you and congratulations,” the post read.
Brady also added that image to his Instagram Story with the caption, “I couldn’t have dreamed of a better ride” and a red heart emoji.
In his replies, Brady still did not mention Kraft, or his former coach Bill Belichick, with whom he won six Super Bowls in 20 seasons, by name, as he did with nearly everyone associated with the Buccaneers. Though, it’s possible Brady could’ve had private exchanges with the pair.
Football fans were quick to criticize Brady on social media for leaving the Patriots out of his farewell message on Tuesday.
Brady’s relationship with Belichick, Kraft and the Patriots has been dissected since he left New England for Tampa Bay in March 2020. However, the coach and quarterback have maintained a cool and cordial relationship in the media.
Brady leaves behind his playing career at age 44 after 22 seasons, seven Super Bowl titles, and 15 Pro Bowls. He walks away the NFL’s all-time leader in passing yards, passing touchdowns, completions and wins.