Robert Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots, has made it clear that he will not be relaxing this NFL summer. Not when it comes to putting together the 2022 edition of the professional football club he’s grown into one of the most valuable franchises in sports over the previous quarter-century.
During a recent interview at the picturesque Breakers in Palm Beach, FL, Kraft spoke with assembled media for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, This was an opportunity he used to emphasize that the Patriots aren’t resting on the laurels of their six-time Super Bowl Championships.
“I’m a die-hard Patriots supporter,” Kraft says during the meeting.” It irritates me that we haven’t won a postseason game in the previous three years. We had a two-decade era that was incredible. We need to figure out a method to keep it continuing.”
The Patriots’ owner said that the NFL’s salary cap has hindered his team’s ability to spend as freely as it did in 2021, when the salary cap allowed New England to sign more known stars in free agency. He admitted that the most exciting part of this year’s veteran signing period has passed, but he stressed that the process of putting together a championship-caliber team does not cease after the highest profile talents on the market find new homes.
“We probably didn’t have the greatest headlines, the best talent, but we had the best team, and they came together,” Kraft said, referring to his team’s first-ever title year in 2001. “I learned a lot from that.”
He also claimed that in this league, teambuilding begins with successful NFL Draft picks. The Player Selection Meeting (as the draft is formally known) takes place in Las Vegas in April, and Kraft is hoping that his Patriots can build on their momentum from the 2021 edition.
“It’s the only way you can continually develop your team over time,” Kraft continued. “Those large, free-agent signings make for excellent headlines, but the meat of what’s going on isn’t in the headlines. We have a lot of young guys that are gaining valuable experience. I’m glad we had a wonderful draft last year… and I’m hoping for another excellent draft this year.”
On the eve of his second NFL season and first complete offseason program with the Patriots, who chose him 15th overall in the 2021 Draft, Kraft raved over quarterback Mac Jones in particular. As a rookie, Jones went on to start every game for the Patriots last season.
Kraft continued, “He’s such a lovely person and modest on top of it. Sometimes, early in the morning or on weekends, I go in there and he’s working out, watching video, just doing whatever. Given his college achievement, I don’t believe someone else with his experience would have that kind of devotion. He also has a lot of fans in the locker room. Every single one of them. I think he has a little more edge than we’ve seen thus far. But he’s been considerate of the fact that he’s a rookie. I’m a huge fan of his. The draft team did a fantastic job with him. We’re fortunate to have him as a part of our future.”
The Patriots don’t appear to have offensive and defensive coordinators on head coach Bill Belichick’s coaching staff at the present to aid Jones and the other young players on the roster to whom Kraft referenced. The owner, on the other hand, puts his faith in Belichick, who has previously led the Patriots to six Super Bowl victories.
“Bill has a distinctive way of doing things,” Kraft remarked with a wry smile. “So far, it’s worked out really nicely. It may not appear straight-line to our followers or to myself at times, but I’m a results-oriented person. I believe [the Patriots will be serious competition for another championship as early as this year. We’re committed as an organization, and we have a lot of potential. There’s an opportunity for them to grow for the team to come together.”
“What’s going on in the AFC seems like there’s a bigger number of quality quarterbacks,” Kraft said, “but we really have to consider our own position and mind our business. We’ve got a chance. No matter how excellent the other players are, I don’t believe you can win consistently without a strong coach and a competent quarterback. I feel we have both; an excellent coach and a promising young quarterback… This is going to be a great year!”
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