Overview
- Kraft told ESPN on Thursday that he recently had back surgery and was instructed by doctors to remain off his feet, so he will not attend Rob Gronkowski’s Patriots Hall of Fame induction on Saturday.
- The Patriots will hold Gronkowski’s formal induction at Patriot Place Plaza on Saturday with a separate halftime tribute planned for Sunday’s home game to allow him to fulfill Fox broadcasting duties.
- Kraft also confirmed he will miss the Patriots’ Nov. 8 game against the Green Bay Packers and the club’s Nov. 15 trip to Munich for the game against the Detroit Lions.
- The owner, who bought the franchise in 1994 and is 85, was named this week as one of five contributor candidates advancing in the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 2027 consideration process.
- Kraft’s absence removes a familiar presence at Patriots ceremonies and public events and has already led family members to fill in at appearances as the team proceeds with planned celebrations and travel arrangements.