For an astonishing 13 consecutive years, the bid by Robert Kraft for the prestigious Pro Football Hall of Fame remains in a state of limbo. The committee responsible for the Hall's contributor category has consistently bypassed the New England Patriots owner in favor of others. According to a reliable league source, Ralph Hay, who played a crucial role in setting up the original meetings for the league that evolved into the NFL, was chosen instead. Hay not only helped establish the foundation but also served as the owner of the Canton Bulldogs from 1918 to 1922, achieving an NFL title during that time.

Age and Super Bowl Success

At 83 years old, Robert Kraft has long aspired to join the ranks of the game's greats in the Hall of Fame. Despite his numerous achievements, he has once again been overlooked by the committee. His supporters argue that given Jerry Jones, who has overseen three Super Bowl teams, is already enshrined in the Hall, Kraft should certainly be included. After all, he has won twice as many Super Bowls and has been one of the most influential figures in the game. Kraft chairs the league's core media committee, which was instrumental in securing a new media rights deal in 2021, reportedly worth over $100 billion. He also played a key role in brokering a deal in 2011 that ended a lockout. Additionally, he built Gillette Stadium and oversaw the creation of Patriot Place, a multi-use commercial complex that became the envy of other owners.

Scandals and Their Impact

While the exact reasons for the committee's hesitation in choosing Kraft for the Hall of Fame remain unclear, it is possible that the Patriots' scandals, with Spygate and Deflategate being the most prominent among them, have played a role. Additionally, Kraft's 2019 misdemeanor solicitation of prostitution charges in Florida, although eventually dropped, may have also influenced the committee's decision. These incidents have overshadowed some of his significant contributions to the game.

Comparison with Other Owners

Sixteen owners have been enshrined in the Hall of Fame over the years, and in the last 25 years alone, five have been inducted. Dan Rooney of the Pittsburgh Steelers was honored in 2000, Ralph Wilson of the Buffalo Bills in 2016, Eddie DeBartolo of the San Francisco 49ers in 2016, Jerry Jones in 2017, and Pat Bowlen of the Denver Broncos in 2018. Kraft's long wait continues as Hay's selection now goes through full consideration for the Hall of Fame in January 2025.