Kraft on the sidelines
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft is recovering from back surgery. The 85 year old owner said the procedure will keep him on injured reserve for the time being. This means he will miss the Hall of Fame induction for legendary tight end Rob Gronkowski on Saturday afternoon.
Kraft expressed his disappointment about missing the big event. He said that as much pain as he was in before the surgery, it pains him even more to miss the ceremony. Doctors have told him to stay off his feet. Because of this, he will also miss the home game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. He will not travel to Munich for the game against the Detroit Lions the following week.
A bond between owner and player
Kraft shared the news with Gronkowski, who had several back surgeries during his own playing career. Kraft joked that he used to want to come back as Gronk in his next life because the player never seemed to have a bad day. After experiencing back surgery himself, the owner said he takes that back and never wants to feel that again.
Gronkowski was voted into the team Hall of Fame by fans in April. This was his first year of eligibility. The team worked with broadcasters to make sure the tight end could attend his induction on Saturday and be honored at halftime on Sunday. Kraft remembered Gronk fondly from his draft day in 2010. He said the player became a fan favorite almost immediately and remained the standard for his position for nearly a decade.
Injury troubles for New England
The news about the owner comes as the Patriots deal with many injuries on the roster. The team currently holds a 5-3 record. They recently beat the Miami Dolphins despite missing several key players.
The list of missing players has been long. It includes wide receiver A.J. Brown and running back TreVeyon Henderson. They have also been without Mack Hollins, Romeo Doubs, Mike Onwenu, and Alijah Vera-Tucker. Tight end Hunter Henry also picked up a foot injury in the last game.
The legend of Gronk
Gronkowski played nine seasons in New England. During that time, the team won nine division titles and three Super Bowls. He finished his regular season career with the team with 521 catches and 79 touchdowns.
Kraft noted that the player was known for more than just his stats. His energy and charity work were very important to the region. He even won a community service award in 2016. Kraft still remembers a one handed catch Gronkowski made against the Denver Broncos in 2014 as one of the best he has ever seen.
Read next
- Football predictions today
- Jackpot predictions this week
- NFL and every other league
- NFL official website
Good to know: We are not paid for any link on this page.
Be the first to comment
Tell us who you think wins and why. Keep it friendly. Links are removed on their own.
Note: comments are the writer own opinion, not ours, and never a tip from us.
18+Read this before you bet
- There are no sure bets. Every tip on this page is a chance worked out from data about the next game. A tip at 70 percent still loses about three times in ten. Anyone selling a sure bet or a fixed match is lying.
- Betting is not income. Never bet to pay rent, school fees or a loan, and never borrow to bet, including from mobile loan apps.
- 18 and over only. Betting under 18 is illegal in Kenya.
- Use licensed bookmakers. Only bet with operators licensed by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya. Prices here can change before you bet, so check them first.
- Gambling can be addictive. If it stops being fun, stop. Read our responsible betting page or visit Responsible Gaming Federation of Kenya.
Good to know: We are not a bookmaker and we do not take bets. Full details are in our disclaimer.
