Dear Mr. Kraft,

We, as Patriots Nation, have prided ourselves on the ideology that no one person is greater than the unity of the team. This theme is the primary focal point of the “Patriot Way”, best conveyed by the Patriots choosing to be introduced as a team, rather than as individuals, before Super Bowl XXXVI.

Now, after four championships, two heart breaking losses, and many other ups and downs along the way, our team has come under scrutiny once again. After a flawed investigation that based itself on circumstantial evidence, opposed to cold hard facts, the NFL has decided to suspend the unequivocal leader for the first four games of the 2015 NFL season, coupled with numerous other penalties. We, as fans, have no control over this situation, and are forced to sit back and wait while an assumed appeal takes place over the course of the next few months.

Since the Deflategate investigation was released, the entire world has expressed their thoughts and opinions on the matter. Whether it’s been via the Internet, news broadcasts, or tabloids, everyone has shared their two cents. We, as Patriots fans, again have no control over the good or bad that is voiced, nor should we, as it is everyone’s given right to freely speak his or her mind.

Yet, there is something we do have control over, and it’s the ability to take a stand, come together as one, and make an impact. As a result, we ask you, Mr. Kraft, to postpone the raising of the Super Bowl XLIX Championship banner at Gillette Stadium until Tom Brady is physically present and suited up to play.

We not only ask, but implore you to consider this request on behalf of everyone who has showed their support here, on social media via the hashtag #NoBradyNoBanner, and on change.org.

Patriot Nation knows what Tom would say to this request. He’d tell us all to raise that banner on opening night and shake the stadium, so he can hear it from wherever he’s watching. Sorry Tom, but that’s something we just have to refuse.

It may appear contradictory to the “Patriot Way” to suggest waiting for one person to celebrate a team based accomplishment, but certain times the team needs to make a collective agreement to support the individual that deserves to be in the huddle with everyone else.

-Patriot Nation