Image courtesy of Fanatics and Adam Schefter
Patriots owner Robert Kraft made an appearance at Fanatics Fest in New York this weekend. In an interview with Adam Schefter, Kraft addressed several topics including his thoughts on the Patriots. Kraft, an investor in Fanatics and a close friend of founder and owner Michael Rubin had a lot to say. There is no transcript of the conversation.
When Kraft was asked about the upcoming season and his expectations for the team. He couldn’t help but share his excitement.
“Any Patriots fans that are out there, I can tell you that I am very excited about this upcoming Patriots season. The last two years were the worst years of my 31 year ownership. We had to change that. We have a new head coach in Mike Vrabel who is really connected with the players.”
Schefter asked Kraft to elaborate on his comment about this being the worst two years of his ownership.
“There was only one home playoff game in 34 years. I sat in the stands in 1978. Earl Campbell ran for over 100 yards and we lost. One playoff game. We’ve owned the team 31 years, we have had 27 home playoff games. We’ve owned are privileged to win 23. I want that record to keep going.”
For Kraft to call the last two years the worst years of his ownership tenure speaks volumes and it illustrates just how bad things were Bill Belichick’s last year and Jerod Mayo’s first and only season last season.
Kraft also talked about the players and their commitment this off-season, specifically the veteran additions.
“We have a young quarterback and a lot of great veterans, free agents that came in, a great draft class. We are going to have fun this year, I promise.”
Kraft’s enthusiasm for the upcoming season is obvious in his words but also in his bank statement. The Patriots spent a lot of money and draft capital this off-season to upgrade the roster and the changes have been evident in OTA’s and mini camp. It has been a while since Kraft was this excited about a season.
As for his appearance this weekend, Kraft has a vested interest in Fanatics. Fanatics Fest has become a premier event for sports fans and collectors. A who’s who of former and current athletes and entertainers attend the event. Kraft, was observed engaging with several prominent figures like former Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, and digital content creators Adin Ross, Kai Cenat, and Druski. These interactions highlighted not only the convergence of traditional sports with new media but also Fanatics’ expansive reach across the various facets of fan engagement.
Kraft’s involvement with Fanatics extends beyond mere attendance; he is a key investor and a close confidante of CEO Michael Rubin. Kraft’s support and advocacy has been instrumental in Fanatics securing lucrative exclusive deals, particularly with the NFL, solidifying the company’s dominance in the sports licensed merchandise market. His appearance at Fanatics Fest reinforced this strategic partnership with the company and his belief in Fanatics’ future. It also reinforced his belief in the 2025 Patriots and what they could become.