Call to the Hall: Patriots Owner Robert Kraft Finally Going to Canton?

New England Patriots team owner Robert Kraft was among a handful of eligible finalists for enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the Coach/Contributor category.

FOXBORO — Unfortunately, New England Patriots team owner Robert Kraft will need to wait at least one more year before receiving his well-deserved ‘call to the Hall.’

The Pro Football Hall of Fame has selected former Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions coach Buddy Parker as the Coach/Contributor finalist eligible to be enshrined as a member of the Class of 2024. The 82-year-old sports entrepreneur had been among those under final consideration. As such, his next opportunity to earn enshrinement will take place in August 2024. 

Patriots Nation was clearly pulling for Kraft as this year's nominee, considering his well-deserving resume. When asked about Kraft's chances for induction just prior to the start of the Pats' joint practice session with the Green Bay Packers on Wednesday, coach Bill Belichick offered his best wishes. 

“Keeping our fingers crossed that we get the vote this year,” Belichick said. 

Since purchasing the Patriots in 1994, the team’s owner and CEO has overseen the most successful run of any NFL franchise during that time span. Under Kraft's ownership, the Pats have made the playoffs 21 times in his 27 years as owner. They have won 19 AFC East titles, including all but three since 2001 and 11 in a row from 2009 to 2019. They represented the AFC in the Super Bowl in 1996 (lost), 2001 (won), 2003 (won), 2004 (won), 2007 (lost), 2011 (lost), 2014 (won), 2016 (won), 2017 (lost) and 2018 (won). After having never won more than 11 games prior to Kraft's arrival, the Patriots have won at least 12 games 14 times, including finishing the 2007 regular season undefeated. 

For much of Kraft’s prolific run in the Patriots owners' box, the team was under the direction of head coach Bill Belichick and led on the field by quarterback Tom Brady. However, his leadership, financial management and steady hand at the helm has made Kraft one of the most respected owners in the NFL, as well as all professional sports.

Kraft's contributions to the NFL landscape also extended outside Foxboro, Mass. He was instrumental in helping to settle the NFL lockout before the 2011 season. In fact, NFLPA representative and former Indianapolis Colts center Jeff Saturday, once referred to Kraft as the "man who helped us save football."

The Coach/Contributor Committee annually nominates individuals who did not appear on the Hall of Fame’s ballots, while the Seniors Committee proposes a select group of players who were not chosen during their initial induction window on the main ballots.

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