The recent announcement that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft was not selected for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026 has sparked significant backlash, particularly from former Patriots tight end and NFL legend Rob Gronkowski. Kraft, a first-time finalist this year, fell short of the required votes from the 50-person selection committee, mirroring the earlier snub of head coach Bill Belichick, who also missed out on first-ballot honors despite his unparalleled resume.
Gronkowski, known for his passionate loyalty to the Patriots organization where he won three Super Bowls, did not hold back in expressing his frustration. In interviews conducted amid the buildup to Super Bowl LX in San Francisco, he described the decisions surrounding both Kraft and Belichick as absurd and ridiculous. He specifically highlighted the injustice of Kraft not being enshrined immediately, stating that the owner “should’ve already been in the Hall of Fame” and questioning the process that delayed such deserving figures.
Gronkowski’s comments extended to joking darkly about the implications for the entire Patriots dynasty, suggesting that even Tom Brady might now face delays, quipping that Brady could end up a “fourth-ballot” Hall of Famer rather than the obvious first-ballot lock many expected.
The title “IT’S ALL BECAUSE OF HIM” that has circulated in fan discussions and some media circles appears to point squarely at Gronkowski’s outspoken defense of Kraft, framing his criticism as the catalyst for renewed anger among Patriots supporters. Fans have long viewed the organization’s success under Kraft’s ownership—spanning from his purchase of the team in 1994 for $172 million to building a powerhouse with six Super Bowl titles—as transformative. Kraft’s leadership included not only on-field achievements but also off-field contributions, such as constructing Gillette Stadium and elevating the franchise’s global profile.
Many argue that without his vision and commitment, the dynasty built around Belichick and Brady would never have materialized to the extent it did.
Gronkowski’s reaction resonates deeply because he represents the voice of players who experienced that era firsthand. He emphasized Kraft’s role in fostering a winning culture, where attention to detail and player welfare created an environment that produced consistent excellence. In one appearance, Gronkowski stressed that Kraft’s impact went beyond wins, pointing to his dedication to “Patriots football” and the importance he placed on the organization’s integrity and success.
The tight end’s words amplified the sentiment that the Hall of Fame process has overlooked not just individual accomplishments but the collective legacy of one of the NFL’s most dominant franchises in modern history.
Patriots fans have responded with fury online and in media forums, echoing Gronkowski’s disbelief. Social media platforms have been flooded with posts calling the snub a disservice to the sport, with many labeling it as politically motivated or influenced by past controversies like Spygate and Deflategate, which occurred under Kraft’s watch. Some supporters point out that Kraft has been a model owner in many respects—investing heavily in facilities, supporting community initiatives, and maintaining a stable, successful organization for decades.
The idea that these scandals could overshadow such contributions has only fueled the outrage, with fans arguing that no other owner has delivered comparable sustained success.
Gronkowski’s criticism also ties into the broader reaction to Belichick’s exclusion, which he called “absolutely asinine.” He noted Belichick’s record eight Super Bowl rings (six as head coach, two as defensive coordinator), the most playoff wins in league history, and the second-most regular-season victories ever. Gronkowski argued that if Belichick doesn’t qualify as a first-ballot inductee, then perhaps no coach should ever receive that distinction again. He extended similar logic to Kraft, implying the voting committee’s standards seem inconsistently applied when it comes to the Patriots’ key architects.
The timing of these developments has added to the sting. With the Hall of Fame class announcement set for the NFL Honors event, the Patriots’ core figures from their golden era—Belichick, Kraft, and potentially Brady—face uncertainty or delay in recognition. Gronkowski’s blunt assessments, delivered with his characteristic energy, have crystallized the frustration for many. He has positioned himself as a defender of the organization’s legacy, insisting that the contributions of figures like Kraft deserve immediate acknowledgment rather than prolonged waits.
This situation underscores ongoing debates about the Hall of Fame selection process, including the influence of past controversies, the weight given to team success versus individual merit, and the subjectivity in a committee vote requiring a high threshold for election. For Patriots Nation, the snub feels personal, a slight against the era that redefined NFL excellence. Gronkowski’s vocal stance has kept the conversation alive, reminding everyone that the story of the Patriots’ dynasty is inseparable from Robert Kraft’s stewardship.
As the league moves forward, Kraft remains eligible in future years, and few doubt he will eventually join Canton. Yet the absence of first-ballot status has left a mark, with Gronkowski’s words serving as a rallying cry for those who believe the Hall should honor not just players and coaches, but the owners who make extraordinary success possible. In the eyes of many, it’s all because of him—Kraft’s vision, commitment, and leadership—that the Patriots became legends, and denying him prompt recognition feels like an injustice that Patriots fans, led by Gronkowski’s passionate critique, refuse to accept quietly.
