Robert Kraft’s journey with the New England Patriots has been nothing short of historic. From buying a struggling team to turning it into the most successful NFL franchise of the 21st century, his legacy is secure
But his work isn’t done. With unwavering resolve, he’s ready to tackle the next chapter head-on.
No, he’s not selling. Not now. Not in his children’s lifetime either. The Patriots are staying in the family—and for New England fans, that’s a reassuring promise that the man who built a dynasty still believes in the path forward.
The New England Patriots have entered a new phase, but their foundation—built on discipline, smart football, and ownership excellence—remains intact.
Robert Kraft’s leadership, combined with the arrival of Drake Maye, has energized a fan base that once knew nothing but success.
The road back to the Super Bowl is long and uncertain, but with fresh talent, evolving strategies, and an owner who refuses to settle for mediocrity, the Patriots are once again a team worth watching.
September 7, 2025, may just mark the beginning of the next great chapter in Foxborough.
Also Read: Patriots: How Rich Is Dana Blumberg? Net Worth Gap With Robert Kraft
Table of Contents
Robert Kraft’s Legacy Explained
The Future of the Patriots, and His Firm Stance on Ownership
Robert Kraft officially purchased the New England Patriots in 1994 for $172 million, a record amount for an NFL team at the time. It was a gamble.1
The Patriots weren’t exactly a dynasty in the early ’90s. They were an underperforming franchise with a shaky future. But Kraft saw potential.
Not only in the team but in the power of sports to transform a community. Over the next three decades, his vision paid off dramatically.
Under Kraft’s ownership, the Patriots became the NFL’s gold standard, winning six Super Bowls, making nine Super Bowl appearances, and earning 17 AFC East titles.
With Bill Belichick as head coach and Tom Brady under center for most of that era, the team became a fixture in American sports culture.
— Robert Kraft ➐ (@RobertKrafts) November 12, 2023
A Period of Dominance Unlike Any Other
From 2001 to 2019, the Patriots had one of the most dominant runs in NFL history. The trio of Kraft, Belichick, and Brady turned New England into a juggernaut.
Foxborough became a pilgrimage site for football fans, and the franchise set new standards for consistency, leadership, and player development. The “Patriot Way” became not just a slogan but a blueprint other teams attempted to emulate.
During this time, Kraft also became one of the most influential voices in the NFL, helping to navigate league challenges, from player discipline controversies to the expansion of international games.
The Downturn: Life After Brady
Tom Brady’s departure after the 2019 season to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers marked the end of an era.
Since then, New England has struggled to find stability at quarterback and regain its winning edge. Mac Jones showed early promise, but inconsistency and coaching turmoil hampered progress.
The Patriots missed the playoffs in three of the last four seasons, including a particularly difficult 2023 campaign in which they finished 4-13—their worst under Kraft’s ownership.
In 2024, Bill Belichick, the architect of their dynasty, parted ways with the organization, ending an iconic 24-year tenure.
“The last two years were the worst 31 years of my ownership,” Kraft recently said. The frustration was evident, but so too was a desire to rebuild and reestablish a winning culture.
Robert Kraft: The Changing Landscape of Ownership in Sports
Last week’s bombshell report that the Buss family agreed to sell the controlling stake in the Los Angeles Lakers to TWG Global CEO and Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter for $10 billion sent shockwaves across the sports world.2
The Lakers, a cornerstone NBA franchise, changing hands was symbolic. For decades, family ownership represented tradition and legacy. Now, valuations are soaring to levels few imagined possible—making it harder for legacy owners to turn down enormous offers.
It’s within this context that Robert Kraft was asked about the possibility of selling the Patriots, now valued at $7.4 billion by Forbes. His response was unequivocal.
“It’s nice, but to me, it’s like your house going up in value,” Kraft said during a Fanatics Fest event. “In my lifetime, and I believe my children’s lifetime, we’re keeping control.”
A Personal and Emotional Investment
Kraft’s analogy of the Patriots being like a home is telling. For him, this team is not a simple investment vehicle. It’s a family business and an emotional journey.
The Kraft family has deep ties to the region and community. From charitable ventures to infrastructure investments (like the building of Gillette Stadium), Kraft’s influence extends well beyond the football field.
His son, Jonathan Kraft, has also been a key figure in team operations and is widely expected to inherit the leadership mantle one day.
This multi-generational investment is part of what distinguishes the Patriots from franchises owned by conglomerates or hedge funds.
A New Chapter: Mike Vrabel’s Arrival
One of the most exciting developments for the Patriots heading into the 2025 season is the hiring of former linebacker and fan-favorite Mike Vrabel as head coach.
Vrabel played a crucial role during New England’s dynasty years, winning three Super Bowls with the team.
After a successful head coaching stint with the Tennessee Titans, Vrabel brings leadership, defensive acumen, and a deep understanding of the Patriots’ ethos.
For Kraft, Vrabel represents a blend of familiarity and forward-thinking. His appointment signals an attempt to re-anchor the franchise’s identity while embracing the challenges of a new era.
“Mike Vrabel knows what it takes to win here,” Kraft said. “He’s lived it. I believe he can lead us back to where we belong.”
Robert Kraft: Building Around a New Core
The Patriots are undergoing a full rebuild. With a new coaching staff, a revamped front office, and potentially a new quarterback under center in 2025, the organization is in a rare position: hopeful, yet grounded in realism.3
Recent draft picks have shown flashes of promise, and free agency has brought in some key additions, but there is no quick fix.
Kraft has expressed a desire to build the right way—through patience, development, and accountability. Unlike some owners who chase instant success with splashy moves, Kraft appears committed to a foundational approach.
Fan Expectations and Emotional Investments
Despite recent struggles, the Patriots fan base remains among the most passionate in the league. Many fans have grown up only knowing a successful Patriots team.
For them, these past few seasons have been a jarring reminder that dominance is not guaranteed. But if there’s one thing Kraft’s ownership has shown, it’s that sustained commitment can lead to historic results.
At 83 years old, Kraft is still actively involved. His passion for the team is palpable. “We have to change that,” he said about recent failures, and you can sense he means it—not just from a business standpoint, but from the heart.
The Billion-Dollar Question: Why Hold On?
With valuations reaching the stratosphere and the recent sale of the Lakers setting new benchmarks, many might wonder why someone like Kraft wouldn’t cash in.
But for Robert Kraft, selling the Patriots isn’t about the money—because it never really was. It’s about legacy, community, family, and loyalty.
This is a man who once outbid competitors just to ensure the Patriots wouldn’t move to St. Louis. He fought to keep the team rooted in New England because he believed in its potential. That belief hasn’t wavered.
Looking Ahead to 2025 and Beyond
The upcoming season is shaping up to be a critical one. With Vrabel at the helm and renewed energy flowing through the organization, expectations are cautiously optimistic.
Kraft has made it clear: he’s not satisfied with mediocrity, and he’s ready to do whatever it takes to bring New England back to relevance.
Fans may not see instant results, but the long game—something Kraft has always played well—is in motion. The Patriots might be down, but they’re far from out.
