Owner Robert Kraft of the New England Patriots is currently recovering from back surgery, a procedure that has placed the 85-year-old executive on a period of rest. This health setback will prevent him from attending the Patriots Hall of Fame induction ceremony for Rob Gronkowski, which is scheduled for Saturday afternoon in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Kraft described the situation as a difficult one, noting in a statement to ESPN on Thursday that while he was in significant pain prior to the operation, the prospect of missing the event causes him even more discomfort. He described himself as being on injured reserve, a term usually reserved for players, to emphasize the physical limitations he is currently facing.
Medical advice has instructed Kraft to remain off his feet for the time being. Consequently, he will also be absent from Sunday's home game against the Green Bay Packers. Additionally, he plans to skip the team's upcoming international trip to Munich, where the Patriots are set to face the Detroit Lions the following week.
The owner shared the news with Gronkowski, who has a history of multiple back surgeries during his own playing career. Kraft added a touch of humor to the conversation, telling the former tight end that he had always joked about wanting to be reborn as Gronkowski because he never saw him have a bad day. However, after experiencing his own series of back procedures, Kraft admitted he would take that sentiment back and never wish to experience such pain again.
Gronkowski was selected for the Patriots Hall of Fame by fans in April, his first year of eligibility. The scheduling for the induction presented some logistical challenges for the franchise. Because Gronkowski serves as a commentator on Fox's pregame show, the team had hoped to align the ceremony with a Fox broadcast at Gillette Stadium early in the season.
When the schedule was released in May, the only Fox game was the November 8 matchup against the Packers. That date was already committed to the network's Salute to Service coverage. To resolve this, the Patriots coordinated with Fox to adjust Gronkowski's schedule. This arrangement allows the four-time All-Pro to attend his induction on Saturday, be honored at halftime on Sunday, and fulfill his broadcasting duties.
Kraft reflected on Gronkowski's impact since he joined the team as a second-round draft pick out of the University of Arizona in 2010. The owner recalled the emotional scene on draft day, celebrating on stage with Gronkowski's father and brothers, as a moment that perfectly captured the player's character. Kraft noted that Gronkowski became a fan favorite almost immediately and set the standard for his position for nearly a decade.
The Patriots, currently holding a 5-3 record, have faced a challenging season with numerous injuries to key offensive players. In their Week 8 victory over the Miami Dolphins, the team played without star wide receiver A.J. Brown, running back TreVeyon Henderson, wide receivers Mack Hollins and Romeo Doubs, and starting guards Mike Onwenu and Alijah Vera-Tucker. Tight end Hunter Henry also exited that game due to a foot injury.
During his nine seasons in New England, Gronkowski was part of teams that won nine AFC East championships and appeared in eight AFC Championship Games. He reached the Super Bowl four times, securing three titles with the franchise. In the regular season, he recorded 521 receptions for 7,861 yards and 79 touchdowns. In the postseason, he added 81 receptions for 1,163 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also spent two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Kraft highlighted Gronkowski's physical presence, noting that his touchdown celebrations were felt across the region. The owner also praised the former player's energy and philanthropy, which led to Gronkowski receiving the franchise's Ron Burton Community Service Award in 2016. Among the many memorable plays, Kraft cited Gronkowski's one-handed catch against the Denver Broncos in 2014, which set up the tight end's 50th career touchdown, as one of the best he has ever witnessed.
