New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft will not be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2025.
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According to a report from ESPN's Don Van Natta Jr.:
"Robert Kraft, the six-time Super Bowl-winning New England Patriots owner considered a favorite for the 2025 class of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, has been passed over once again by the Hall's contributor committee, sources told ESPN.
Instead, the nine-member committee, which each year advances one name for consideration by all 50 Hall voters, chose Ralph Hay, a co-founder of the National Football League and the owner of the Canton Bulldogs from 1918 to 1922, five sources with knowledge of the decision told ESPN this week."
Kraft had been the favorite of owners to be inducted into the 2025 class for the Hall of Fame, but he has been passed over for the co-founder of the National Football League, Ralph Hay. While it makes a ton of sense for Hay to be inducted, Kraft has once again been snubbed.
Kraft took over the Patriots in 1994. Since then, the Patriots have gone on to win six Super Bowl titles as part of their dynasty with Bill Belichick and Tom Brady.
Kraft was also awarded the George Halas Award in 2012 after the death of his wife, Myra Kraft. During this time, Robert also fell ill and became instrumental in negotiating the new Collective Bargaining Agreement that ended the NFL lockout that same year.
Kraft has been one of the most influential owners in the entire league, and his dedication to the Patriots has been unmatched. Though the New England CEO has had an immaculate record, he was involved in a controversy in 2019. He was one of 25 people facing first-degree misdemeanor charges due to soliciting prostitution at a day spa.
During the trial, it was revealed that hidden cameras were installed at the spa. Once a Palm Beach County judge found out about these cameras being used, it was also revealed that Kraft's constitutional rights were violated, resulting in all the charges being dropped.
Despite the controversy, Kraft has continued to be one of the most respected figures in the NFL. This signals the 13th year that Kraft was considered by the selection committee to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, but that will not be the case.
It does appear to be a bit ridiculous that it has taken Kraft this long to get into Canton. However, his time could be coming next year.
For more on the Patriots, head to Newsweek Sports.
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