KRAFTWORK: PATRIOTS THE NFL’S MODEL FRANCHISE

How Robert Kraft’s Instincts Turned the Patriots into the NFL’s Model Franchise:

Just over six-months ago, as the NFL lockout dragged on, only the most optimistic fans believed there would be a Super Bowl XLVI.  When the players and owners finally reached an agreement, Patriots owner Robert Kraft stood out among his peers. Kraft, who was grieving for the loss of his wife, Myra, who died during the negotiations, was a vital force throughout. Senior writer Peter King (@SI_Peter King) spent time last week with Kraft to discuss the transformation of his franchise since he bought the team following the ’93 season. 

Kraft acknowledges that the Patriots success over the years is due to the unorthodox decisions he has made including spending too much to buy the team, hiring Bill Belichick and trading Drew Bledsoe. Kraft says, “The key to life is you try to see things other people can’t see. This league is set up for everyone to go 8 – 8. How do you differentiate? You have to be bold in any business and do things you take a lot of criticism for but you believe are right.”

Kraft appears on the Feb. 6, 2011 cover of Sports Illustrated. This is the first time the Patriot’ owner has ever appeared on the cover.