Tom Brady is leaving the New England Patriots, and the gravity of his departure was felt quickly by owner Robert Kraft and head coach Bill Belichick.

"Sometimes in life, it takes some time to pass before truly appreciating something or someone but that has not been the case with Tom. He is a special person and the greatest quarterback of all-time," Belichick said Tuesday in a lengthy statement reflecting on Brady's 20 seasons with the Patriots.

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