Robert Kraft, the 83-year-old owner of the New England Patriots, has been a driving force behind the team's unparalleled success over the past two decades. Despite being under consideration for the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a contributor for over a decade, Kraft has yet to receive his due recognition. It's time to rectify this oversight and acknowledge Kraft's contributions to the NFL.

One of Kraft's most significant achievements was his decision to hire Bill Belichick as the Patriots' head coach in 2000. Despite being advised against it by many, including then-commissioner Paul Tagliabue, Kraft took a chance on Belichick, and it paid off in spades. The partnership between Kraft and Belichick resulted in six Super Bowl championships, cementing the Patriots as one of the greatest teams in NFL history.

But Kraft's impact on the NFL extends beyond his successful ownership of the Patriots. He has been a driving force behind labor peace and lucrative TV rights deals, and has played a key role in shaping the league's business landscape. Kraft's willingness to take risks and push the boundaries has helped to transform the NFL into the multibillion-dollar industry it is today.

Despite his many accomplishments, Kraft has faced criticism for his handling of certain situations. The Spygate and Deflategate scandals, which involved the Patriots' alleged cheating, have cast a shadow over Kraft's legacy. However, it's worth noting that both Belichick and Brady, the primary figures involved in those scandals, have been praised for their contributions to the NFL. If character flaws are not a reason to keep Belichick and Brady out of the Hall of Fame, then it's hard to see why they would be a reason to exclude Kraft.

In contrast, other owners who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame despite having checkered pasts. Jerry Jones, the owner of the Dallas Cowboys, was inducted in 2017 despite being involved in several controversial situations, including a dispute with the NFL over the use of team logos. Pat Bowlen, the late owner of the Denver Broncos, was inducted in 2019 despite being involved in a gambling fraud case and facing allegations of bullying and harassment.

Kraft's Hall of Fame candidacy is not without its flaws. He has been accused of being haughty and having an off-putting personality. However, when examined in the context of his contributions to the NFL, it's hard to deny that Kraft is deserving of recognition. He has been a driving force behind the Patriots' success, and has played a key role in shaping the league's business landscape.

The Unsung Hero of the NFL: A Case for Robert Kraft's Hall of Fame Induction

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