New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft will have to wait at least another year for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Despite years of lobbying and a strong résumé, Kraft was passed over by the Hall’s contributor committee in favor of Ralph Hay, co-founder of the NFL, as reported by ESPN’s Don Van Natta Jr.
Kraft, long considered a favorite for enshrinement, seemed poised for selection, especially with the contributor committee now exclusively focusing on owners, executives, and other non-players. Previously, he had to compete against coaches in a combined category. His exclusion this year surprised many, with one anonymous source telling ESPN:
“It’s a huge surprise. And it’s very disappointing. Unless you are an NFL historian, you don’t know who Ralph Hay is.”
Hay, who owned the Canton Bulldogs from 1918 to 1923, played a pivotal role in organizing the meeting that led to the creation of the NFL’s first iteration. However, his relatively short tenure contrasts with Kraft’s extensive impact on the league.
Kraft, 83, purchased a controlling stake in the Patriots in 1994, ushering in an era of unprecedented success. Under his ownership, the team claimed six Super Bowl titles, becoming the NFL’s dominant franchise of the 21st century. While players like Tom Brady and head coach Bill Belichick are often credited with the team’s success, Kraft has made it clear he believes he deserves recognition for his role in shaping the dynasty.
Reports suggest that Kraft’s camp has been advocating for his enshrinement for over a decade, including efforts to promote his legacy through books and a docuseries about the Patriots dynasty. It’s also been noted that Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones’ earlier induction into the Hall remains a sore point for Kraft.
Despite his accomplishments, Kraft’s tenure hasn’t been without controversy. The Patriots have been implicated in multiple cheating scandals, and Kraft himself faced scrutiny following an incident at a Florida massage parlor in 2019. These blemishes may have influenced voters’ decisions.
Kraft will now have to wait until next year to see if the voters reassess his contributions to the NFL. Until then, the owner of the Patriots can only hope that his achievements on and off the field outweigh the controversies in the eyes of the Hall’s decision-makers.