The NFL’s Best Owner, Loved By Athletes And Trump Alike

Robert Kraft is one of the most successful owners in sports history. Since he bought the New England Patriots in 1994, the team has sold out every game and won five Super Bowls, including last January in one of the most exciting comeback wins of all time.

Despite the Patriots’ reputation for stretching the rules — the team has been accused of secretly taping opponents’ practices and of using deflated footballs to gain competitive advantages — Kraft’s personal reputation has stayed clean, largely due to his philanthropy. He has given over $100 million to causes like Boston’s Combined Jewish Philanthropies, Brandeis University and the Israeli Football League, and even invited the family of a teenaged Jewish Pats fan who was killed in a West Bank terror attack to watch the Super Bowl in his luxury box.

Kraft, 76, is also a longtime friend and supporter of Donald Trump, who called Kraft regularly after the death of his wife, Myra Kraft, in 2011. Kraft donated more than $1 million toward Trump’s inauguration festivities. But after Trump repeatedly criticized National Football League players for kneeling during the national anthem to protest racism and police brutality, Kraft stated that he was “deeply disappointed” by the president’s tone and pledged his support for his athletes.

Forwarding the News

Thoughtful, balanced reporting from the Forward and around the web, bringing you updated news and analysis each day.

Terms(Required)

I agree to the Forward's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Email(Required)

As the Patriots defend their championship during the NFL’s most highly charged political season in memory, it remains to be seen whether Kraft will be able to maintain the support of the president — or of his athletes.

A message from our CEO & publisher Rachel Fishman Feddersen

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.

The coming year promises to be filled with more complex and historic developments. We are entering an era where independent, fact-based Jewish journalism will be more important than ever. We need to be ready for whatever 2025 will bring, and with your help, we can be.

We’ve set a goal to raise $260,000 by December 31. That’s an ambitious goal, but one that will give us the resources we need to invest in the high quality news, opinion, analysis and cultural coverage that isn’t available anywhere else.

If you feel inspired to make an impact, now is the time to give something back. Join us as a member at your most generous level.

—  Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO

With your support, we’ll be ready for whatever 2025 brings.

$36 $500

$120 $180 Other amount