New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft confirmed on Thursday that he will not attend former star tight end Rob Gronkowski’s induction into the Patriots Hall of Fame. Kraft disclosed that he is currently recovering from back surgery, a medical issue that has placed him on what he humorously termed “injured reserve.” Due to strict medical instructions, the 85-year-old owner will also sit out Sunday’s home matchup against the Green Bay Packers and the subsequent international series trip to Munich to face the Detroit Lions.
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The absence adds a poignant layer to the ceremony, as Kraft expressed deep regret over missing the milestone event for one of the franchise’s most iconic players. “As much pain as I was in before having surgery, it pains me even more to miss the ceremony,” Kraft told ESPN’s Mike Reiss. The situation creates a unique parallel between the two men, as Gronkowski has also dealt with significant back issues throughout his career, highlighting the physical toll of the sport on both the players and the leadership surrounding them.
Kraft found levity in the shared medical history, referencing a previous joke about his next life. “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. But after a couple of back surgeries, I take that back. I never want to experience that again,” Kraft admitted. Gronkowski’s induction follows a fan vote in April, where he was selected in his first year of eligibility, cementing his legacy in Foxborough despite the owner’s physical absence from the podium.
Source: Yahoo Sports
