"This is our, I'm happy to say, fifth Super Bowl in the last 16 years"
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New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft brought the Vince Lombardi Trophy to the "Today" show Monday.
Kraft even brought "Today" host Matt Lauer, who got his start in journalism in Boston, a hat from the Super Bowl champions.
It's the latest stop in a busy Super Bowl victory tour for Kraft — he was seen Friday at President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate having dinner with the first family and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
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Quarterback Tom Brady of the New England Patriots holds the Vince Lombardi trophy during the Super Bowl victory parade on Feb. 7, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Patriots defeated the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 in overtime in Super Bowl 51.
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A sign is raised as fans gather for the New England Patriots Super Bowl LI Victory Parade in Boston on Feb. 7, 2017.
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New England Patriots LeGarrette Blount, left, Dion Lewis, center, and Martellus Bennett wave during a parade Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2017, in Boston to celebrate the team's 34-28 win over the Atlanta Falcons in Sunday's NFL Super Bowl 51 football game in Houston.
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New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman gestures towards the crowd during the Patriots victory parade on Feb. 7, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Patriots defeated the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 in overtime in Super Bowl 51.
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The New England Patriots victory parade makes its way down Boylston Street on Feb. 7, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts.
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New England Patriots quarterbacks Jimmy Garoppolo and Tom Brady celebrate during the New England Patriots victory parade on February 7, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts.
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Fans cheer the New England Patriots during a parade Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2017, in Boston to celebrate the team's 34-28 win over the Atlanta Falcons in Sunday's NFL Super Bowl 51 football game in Houston.
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Fans cheer as New England Patriots president Jonathan Kraft, near side, and his father and owner Robert Kraft hold Super Bowl trophies during a parade Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2017, in Boston to celebrate the team's Super Bowl win.
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New England Patriots team owner Robert Kraft hoists a Lombardi trophy during the New England Patriots Super Bowl LI Victory Parade in Boston, Massachusetts, on Feb. 7, 2017.
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New England Patriots fans gather at City Hall Plaza before the start of the New England Patriots Super Bowl LI Victory Parade in Boston on Feb. 7, 2017.
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Yes, that's Julian Edelman taking a bite out of a football that was tossed up to him
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Tom Brady with the Lombardi trophy on a Duck Boat cruising along Boylston Street in Boston's Copley Square
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A player waving a Patriots flag and shouting out to the fans along the parade route
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Players on top of a truck during the Patriots championship parade
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New England Patriots fans get their early spots on Tremont Street before the start of the New England Patriots Super Bowl LI Victory Parade in Boston on Feb. 7, 2017.
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Players and their families on board a Duck Boat cruising down the parade route in downtown Boston
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Fans gather for the New England Patriots Super Bowl LI Victory Parade in Boston on Feb. 7, 2017.
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Rob Gronkowski with other players and family members
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Tom Brady celebrates on a Duck Boat as fans cheer on during the Patriots championship parade through downtown Boston.
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George Lombard of Providence, RI arrives at Copley Square for the New England Patriots Super Bowl LI Victory Parade in Boston on Feb. 7, 2017.
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Players and their families packed Duck Boats for the Patriots championship parade
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Brother and sister Jerry Curran, 15, and Caroline Curran, 14, huddle under umbrellas as fans line the route along Boylston St. for the New England Patriots Super Bowl LI Victory Parade in Boston on Feb. 7, 2017.
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Justin Holby and Jasmine Hickey, who came in from Sturbridge for the event, are among the fans lining the route along Boylston St. for the New England Patriots Super Bowl LI Victory Parade in Boston on Feb. 7, 2017.
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Fans arrive early to Bolyston Street for the New England Patriots Super Bowl LI Victory Parade through Boston on Feb. 7, 2017.
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Sam Macasay waits in a flying Elvis hat as fans line the route along Boylston St. for the New England Patriots Super Bowl LI Victory Parade in Boston on Feb. 7, 2017.
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New England Patriots fans get their early spots on Tremont Street before the start of the New England Patriots Super Bowl LI Victory Parade in Boston on Feb. 7, 2017.
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Police wait in the snow as fans line the route along Boylston St. for the New England Patriots Super Bowl LI Victory Parade in Boston on Feb. 7, 2017.
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Snow falls as fans line the route on Boylston St. for the New England Patriots Super Bowl LI Victory Parade in Boston on Feb. 7, 2017.
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A sign is raised as fans gather for the New England Patriots Super Bowl LI Victory Parade in Boston on Feb. 7, 2017.
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Fans gather around signs heralding the Patriots' fifth Super Bowl win
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When your parents let you skip school to go to the Patriots championship rally....
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Who's ready for the Patriots championship parade in downtown Boston? These guys!
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Some kids had their parents' permission to skip class Tuesday morning to see the parade
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The buses that brought the Patriots players, coaching staff and their families to Boston from Foxborough
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This gentleman loves Tom Brady so much, he got his name tattooed on his lower lip.
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Fans gather along Boylston Street near Copley Square
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Patriots fans have their umbrellas ready for the parade
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Fans hold up five fingers after the Pats fifth Super Bowl title
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The crowds are growing in Copley Square
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A fan's Tom Brady poster at the parade
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Friends are braving the wicked cold temps, snow and sleet for the Patriots
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These ladies are ready for the Patriots parade
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The parade route along Boylston Street is packed with die-hard Patriots fans
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The view from Government Center, where the Patriots championship parade will end
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These fans weren't about to let a little bit of snow/sleet/rain ruin their time at the Patriots championship parade
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These fans are excited for the Duck Boats to hit the streets
Kraft is a longtime friend of the president's, but when asked by Lauer if that relationship is affecting his relationship with his players, some of whom said they won't go on the traditional White House visit, Kraft said that the link between sports and politics is being blown out of proportion this year.
"This is our, I'm happy to say, fifth Super Bowl in the last 16 years, and every time we've had the privilege of going to the White House, a dozen of our players don't go," Kraft said. "This is the first time it's gotten any media attention."
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HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: A general view of the field during the National Anthem prior to Super Bowl 51 between the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Former US President George H. W. Bush and former First Lady Barbara Bush are introduced prior to Super Bowl 51 between the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: President George H.W. Bush looks on during the coin toss prior to Super Bowl 51 between the Atlanta Falcons and the New England Patriots at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots warms up prior to Super Bowl 51 against the Atlanta Falcons at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
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HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Rob Ninkovich #50 of the New England Patriots reaches to tackle Devonta Freeman #24 of the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Trey Flowers #98 of the New England Patriots tackles Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons in the first quarter during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots makes a pass against the Atlanta Falcons in the first quarter of Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots looks to pass in the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Julio Jones #11 of the Atlanta Falcons makes a catch in the second quarter against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Devonta Freeman #24 of the Atlanta Falcons runs the ball in for a five yard touchdown against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Devonta Freeman #24 of the Atlanta Falcons runs for a 5-yard touchdown in the second quarter against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Austin Hooper #81 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates after scoring a 19 yard touchdown in the second quarter against Patrick Chung #23 of the New England Patriots during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Courtney Upshaw #91 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after a sack on Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots in the first quarter during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
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HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Robert Alford #23 of the Atlanta Falcons scores an 82 yard touchdown after an interception against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots attempts to tackle Patrick Chung #23 of the New England Patriots after an interception in the second quarter during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots reacts after Robert Alford #23 of the Atlanta Falcons scored a touchdown during the second quarter of Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots is tackled by Keanu Neal #22 and Deion Jones #45 of the Atlanta Falcons in the second quarter during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Tevin Coleman #26 of the Atlanta Falcons scores a touchdown on a 6 yard reception over Rob Ninkovich #50 of the New England Patriots in the third quarter during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
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HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on from the sideline during the third quarter against the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
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HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons throws the ball against the New England Patriots in the third quarter during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: James White #28 of the New England Patriots runs for a 5 yard touchdown in the third quarter against Jalen Collins #32 of the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Julio Jones #11 of the Atlanta Falcons makes a catch over Eric Rowe #25 of the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Grady Jarrett #97 of the Atlanta Falcons sacks Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter of Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Dont'a Hightower #54 of the New England Patriots forces a fumble from Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Danny Amendola #80 of the New England Patriots scores a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots walks off the field during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
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HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots directs his team during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots makes a 23 yard catch in the fourth quarter against Ricardo Allen #37 and Keanu Neal #22 of the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots makes a 23 yard catch in the fourth quarter against Ricardo Allen #37 and Keanu Neal #22 of the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots calls for a two point conversion during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Danny Amendola #80 of the New England Patriots scores a two point conversion late in the fourth quarter against Jalen Collins #32 and Brian Poole #34 of the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots celebrates after a score against the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: James White #28 of the New England Patriots scores the game winning two yard touchdown in overtime against the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots celebrates with Julian Edelman #11 after defeating the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 in overtime to win Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: The New England Patriots react at the end of the game during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
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HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Head coach Bill Belichick, Tom Brady #12 and LeGarrette Blount #29 of the New England Patriots celebrate after defeating the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. The Patriots defeated the Falcons 34-28. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
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HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots celebrates after defeating the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 in overtime of Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
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HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 in overtime during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Confetti falls after the New England Patriots defeated the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
He cited players' previous national championships and family obligations.
"This is America, we're all free to do whatever's best for us. We're just privileged to be in a position to be going," Kraft added.
