Robert Kraft may have just saved his recently tarnished reputation

In the years leading to Tom Brady's departure and in the time since, Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft have been the subjects of much scrutiny. Most of the criticism intertwines since it involves the greatest quarterback to ever play the game leaving the team, but they have each created their own controversies that (for the most part) has been warranted.

Because of the rumors suggesting Belichick had wanted to trade Brady years before the quarterback left for Tampa Bay, which is said to have been going on behind the scenes even during Brady's final year in Foxboro, the former head coach has received most of the blame for him leaving.

Kraft has received some blowback for that as well since he allowed Brady to leave and seemingly forfeiting his right to get a deal in place to keep him around longer.

The Patriots have struggled without him under center and are now hoping their latest quarterback, Drake Maye, will be the guy they've been looking for. But before he was drafted last month, the team's fall from grace has made things more tense between Belichick and Kraft, ultimately leading to the "parting of ways" to start the offseason.

Since then, many feel Kraft has been on an anti-Belichick tour, making public comments that negatively depict the eight-time Super Bowl-winning coach and seemingly turning the Apple TV+ docuseries "The Dynasty" a Belichick hit piece.

Then came the accusations that Kraft talked Falcons owner Arthur Blank out of hiring Belichick for the 2024 season, making the Patriots owner look even worse in the eyes of New England fans and media.

It was the latest chapter in a rough offseason for him, but he may have just put it all to bed during an appearance at Netflix's roast of Tom Brady last weekend.

Robert Kraft's toast to Bill Belichick seemed to bring some peace back to Foxboro

Brady's comedy roast last weekend featured quite a cast of characters, primarily former Patriots teammates and Belichick. Others who hadn't been advertised showed up, like Ben Affleck and Peyton Manning, but Kraft's surprise appearance caught the attention of most fans.

At the end of the evening, Belichick and Kraft were center stage with host Kevin Hart, and the longtime owner praised the accomplished coach. He referred to him as the greatest in the history of the game and then toasted Belichick as they took a shot together.

"I want to say this is the greatest coach in the history of the game that did what no one else has done. And having Tom Brady and him was the greatest honor the good Lord gave me. So cheers."

It was a big moment for Patriots fans, who hadn't been thrilled with how Belichick was being discussed and essentially erased from the organization this offseason. The cheers felt like a genuine moment between the two, with the hopes of smoothing things, at least for the time being.

It was a moment of solidarity that fans hoped to see, and when better than at a fun event like the roast of Brady?

There's hope that this could mean Belichick will attend the quarterback's Patriots Hall of Fame ceremony next month, which many felt he might not participate in due to the issues with Kraft. It would be a disservice for him not to be there, so let's hope he will go no matter what.

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