Robert Kraft has become a one-man news factory at the NFL Owners Meetings.
Last year, the New England Patriots‘ owner made headlines when he said that rapper Meek Mill told him Lamar Jackson wanted to join the franchise. And though Kraft didn’t say anything quite that wild Tuesday morning in Orlando, he still delivered candid remarks on newsworthy topics.
Robert Kraft Criticizes ‘The Dynasty’ Patriots Docuseries
Many Patriots fans and players have been critical of Apple TV’s 10-part “The Dynasty” docuseries, which tells the story of New England’s remarkable 20-year run of NFL dominance. Complaints have centered around the show’s heavy focus on Patriots controversies, including Spygate, Deflategate, and the Malcolm Butler benching.
Patriots legends Devin McCourty and Rodney Harrison recently decried the series for its negativity, with McCourty saying he felt “duped” by the final product.
Kraft also has come under the microscope, with fans accusing the Patriots’ owner of having editorial control — something the series director denied. However, while speaking with reporters in Orlando, Kraft expressed disappointment with The Dynasty.
“Well, I loved the first three episodes, I really liked (them),” Kraft said. “I felt bad that there was so much emphasis on the more controversial and, let’s say, challenging situations over the last 20 years. I wish they had focused more on our Super Bowl wins, our 21-game win streak.
“I felt bad there were players who gave hours and hours of interviews and they felt only the negativity — people like Devin McCourty and Rodney Harrison and Matthew (Slater). Although, I didn’t — I just heard quietly that they’ve all felt that way.”
Kraft added: “Actually, there were some really prominent people that were interviewed for hours that never were used. So, little disappointed that there wasn’t more of a real positive approach. Especially for Patriots fans who have lived the experience with us.”
Robert Kraft speaks with the media at the 2024 NFL league meetings. pic.twitter.com/2lqKsBWhlZ
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) March 26, 2024
Many have accused the show and its creators of painting Bill Belichick in a negative light. And there’s undeniable merit to those claims.
When asked how Belichick was portrayed in the series, Kraft deflected while praising his former head coach.
“I feel so privileged that we had Bill here,” Kraft said. “And you know, we hope when he’s finished that we’re gonna have a chance to honor him the way we did — we will do with Tom Brady this year. You know, we did this little ceremony at halftime of the Eagles’ game, but it was not adequate.
“And we look forward to being able to celebrate putting (Brady) into the Patriots Hall of Fame: six, twelve, twenty-four (June 12). And, you know, I look forward to the privilege of putting Bill into the Patriots Hall of Fame one day in the future.”
Kraft Reveals Why Calvin Ridley Rejected Patriots in NFL Free Agency
The Patriots aggressively pursued free agent receiver Calvin Ridley before he signed a four-year, $92 million ($50 million guaranteed) with the Tennessee Titans. You certainly could argue Ridley was overpaid, but the Patriots also were willing to pay big bucks for the veteran receiver.
Before Ridley signed with the Titans, multiple reports indicated he had personal reasons for not wanting to play in New England. There also were rumors about Ridley having concerns about Massachusetts’ tax burden.
Kraft confirmed that speculation Monday while identifying Ridley’s wife, Dominique Fitchard (Kraft incorrectly labeled her Ridley’s “girlfriend”), as a key factor in Ridley rejecting the Patriots. Fitchard is an entrepreneur and the founder/CEO of an Alabama-based hair extension and fashion company.
“There was one outstanding receiver that unfortunately we couldn’t close,” Kraft said, referring to Ridley. “It was not because of finance. Clearly, his girlfriend wanted to be in the South.
“We had a situation where the taxes were, like, almost 10 percent higher. We offered — we were willing to keep going at that premium. But he didn’t want to be in the Northeast.”
Kraft also said the Patriots’ lack of a franchise QB might’ve played a role in Ridley’s decision.
“And part of it might be the quarterback situation as well,” he said.
Kraft Reveals His Hopes for Patriots in 2024 NFL Draft
The Patriots are one of the biggest X-factors in the 2024 NFL Draft. With the No. 3 pick, New England could select a new franchise quarterback — multiple reports indicate it will — or trade back to gather more picks.
Kraft chose his words carefully Monday, but he seemingly revealed a desire for a quarterback.
“As a fan — I’ll put my fan hat on — I definitely would,” Kraft said when asked if he wanted the Patriots to draft a QB at No. 3. “In the end, you can’t win in this league consistently unless you have a first-rate quarterback and a first-rate coach.
“On the other hand, you’re in a different position, and we’ve never been in the third draft position since we owned the team. What happens, a lot of people behind are really desperate to move up. We’re going to be open to whatever can come our way. In the end, I’ll let the team make the decision with what they think is best.”
Kraft added: “One way or another, I’d like to see us get a top-rate young quarterback.”
The Patriots already have met with Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, and J.J. McCarthy, the consensus top four QB prospects in this year’s draft class. They also attended Williams’ and McCarthy’s pro days last week, and reportedly will attend Daniels’ and Maye’s this week.
Kraft Opens Up on New England’s Poor Marks in NFLPA Report Card
The Patriots were one of the worst-performing teams in this year’s NFLPA report card, which assesses each franchise on various player-focused, quality-of-life criteria.
Here’s how New England scored in each category:
- Treatment of families: F- (30th)
- Food/cafeteria: B- (15th)
- Nutritionist/dietician: B- (20th)
- Locker room: C- (20th)
- Training room: C (22nd)
- Training staff: B- (25th)
- Weight room: F (32nd)
- Strength coaches: C- (31st)
- Team travel: D (24th)
- Head Coach Bill Belichick: B- (27th)
- Owner Robert Kraft: D+ (27th)
Notably, the Patriots are one of seven teams that do not provide daycare support for players’ children on game day, per the NFLPA. They’re also one of only four teams that don’t offer either a family room or daycare.
Kraft expressed disappointment with the results, including the “treatment of families” score, while promising future improvements.
“I must tell you, I was unaware of how bad that was,” Kraft said. “We’ve had a plan that we put in place where we’re committing to a whole new facility adjacent to ours. That has been discussed with the leadership team and a building that will be in excess of $50 million.
“We have to correct everything. I was not aware of the daycare issue. I mean, that’s something that’s fixable. The players are the heart and soul of the business. I’d be very surprised if that didn’t improve. That (survey) was done during the fifth week of the season.”
It’s worth noting the Patriots also performed poorly on last year’s report card, including receiving a C-minus for treatment of families. So, it’s hard to believe Kraft truly was caught off guard by this year’s survey.
Nevertheless, New England began developing plans for a new weight room and/or training facility before the release of last year’s report card. A completion date for the project hasn’t been announced.
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