Patriots owner Robert Kraft has been placed on injured reserve following back surgery, forcing him to miss Rob Gronkowski’s induction into the Patriots Hall of Fame this Saturday. The 85-year-old executive underwent the procedure recently and was ordered by doctors to remain off his feet, a directive that also excludes him from attending New England’s Sunday matchup against the Green Bay Packers and the team’s upcoming Week 10 trip to Munich for a game against the Detroit Lions. Kraft expressed deep regret over his absence, telling ESPN’s Mike Reiss on Thursday that while his pre-surgical pain was significant, missing the ceremony causes him even greater distress.
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Gronkowski, who was voted into the Hall of Fame in April during his first year of eligibility, showed understanding regarding Kraft’s medical situation. The two share a unique bond regarding spinal health, as Gronkowski underwent multiple back surgeries during his playing career. Kraft highlighted this shared experience in his comments, noting that he previously admired Gronkowski’s resilience, stating, “I always told Gronk that in my next life, I wanted to come back as him, because I had never seen him have a bad day.” However, the owner admitted that his own recent surgeries have changed his perspective, adding, “But after a couple of back surgeries, I take that back. I never want to experience that again.”
This development marks a rare absence for Kraft at a major team milestone, underscoring the physical toll of his recent medical issues. While the Patriots will proceed with their schedule and the Hall of Fame ceremony without their owner in attendance, the focus remains on Gronkowski’s legacy and the team’s upcoming games. Kraft’s recovery timeline is expected to keep him sidelined for the immediate future, meaning he will likely miss additional high-profile events as the season progresses.
Source: Yahoo Sports
