Bill Belichick is giving Robert Kraft his full Hall of Fame endorsement.
The Patriots head coach was interviewed recently on SiriusXM NFL Radio’s “Movin’ the Chains” program, and highlighted why he thinks Kraft deserves to be enshrined next year in Canton. The legendary owner is a semifinalist.
“He's a phenomenal owner,” said Belichick, via ESPN’s Mike Reiss. “You look at what he's done across the board. He's made great contributions to the league, in things like the CBA and other policies, and the growth of the league. He's obviously done a great job here in New England, just keeping the team in New England and not letting it out of here, and the success he's had. And off the field -- just the philanthropy and contributions he's made to the community.”
Belichick is right, of course. It’s hard to find an owner with a deeper resume than Kraft, who kept the Patriots in Foxborough when he purchased his hometown team in January 1994. The Patriots have become one of the NFL’s premier franchises under Kraft, winning six Super Bowls with Tom Brady and Belichick.
Gillette Stadium was erected in 2002. The Patriots are now worth an astounding $4.4 billion, making them the second-most valuable franchise in the league.
Richard Seymour, an integral part of the Patriots’ dynasty, also gave Kraft an endorsement Saturday during his Hall of Fame speech. “To the entire Kraft family, you showed us that being consistent in the little things added up to the big things. Always with heart and humanity,” said Seymour. “RKK, thank you for being a mentor and a dear friend. You too will grace this stage.”
Hall of Fame finalists for the Class of 2023 will be announced in January.
