At 85 years old, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft is no stranger to the grind of an NFL season. But this year, he's been sidelined by something far less glamorous than a late-game drive: a pair of back surgeries that have him metaphorically riding the pine.
Kraft revealed this week that he won't be able to attend Rob Gronkowski's induction into the Patriots Hall of Fame on Saturday, as he's still mending from the procedures. In true football fashion, the 85-year-old owner described his current status with a grin, saying he's "on injured reserve" for the time being.
"As much pain as I was in before having surgery, it pains me even more to miss the ceremony," Kraft told ESPN. "I always told Gronk that in my next life, I wanted to come back as him because I had never seen him have a bad day. But after a couple of back surgeries, I take that back. I never want to experience that again."
The timing couldn't be worse for Kraft, who will also have to skip this weekend's matchup against the Green Bay Packers. He'd love to join the team on their trip to Munich for next Sunday's clash with the Detroit Lions, but that seems like a long shot given his current condition.
Despite being under the weather, Kraft took a moment to heap praise on Gronkowski, whose impact in New England went far beyond the stat sheet. "I just love Gronk. One of my greatest moments of love and affection for him was draft day, celebrating on the stage with his dad and brothers. It personified who he is," Kraft said. "He became a fan favorite almost immediately and remained the standard at tight end for nearly a decade."
Gronkowski's numbers with the Patriots are staggering: 521 catches, 7,861 yards, and 79 touchdowns. He helped the franchise capture three Super Bowl rings before heading to Tampa Bay, where he added a fourth Lombardi Trophy to his collection.
Kraft's absence from the festivities is a reminder that even the most powerful figures in sports can be brought low by the same aches and pains that plague everyday fans. His recovery will be closely watched, especially as the Patriots navigate a challenging stretch of the season. The team's recent struggles have already sparked calls for changes on the roster, and having the owner back at full strength would be a welcome boost.
While Kraft recovers, the Patriots will lean on their coaching staff and players to keep things together on the field. The game against Green Bay is a tough test, and the trip to Germany adds another layer of complexity. But if there's one thing Kraft has proven over the years, it's resilience—both on and off the field.
For now, the Patriots' boss is taking his own advice: rest, rehab, and a little patience. As he put it, he's on injured reserve, but you can bet he's already counting down the days until he's cleared to return.
