Patriots owner Robert Kraft met with the media today and spoke on a number of topics including his late wife Myra, Colts center Jeff Saturday and the CBA and new Patriots Chad Ochocinco and Albert Haynesworth.
He wore a “MHK” lapel pin as he spoke about his late wife, reflecting on his loss of his partner for 50 years. Choking back tears he thanked the media for the respect they have shown him and his family in the last few weeks.
“It’s been a different kind of time. And…our fans have been great. We have gotten letters and people supporting us from all over the world. I am committed to read every tweet, email and letter.”
“The reach of my sweetheart is unbelievable. And I am happy to say as of this moment, the Myra Kraft giving back fund has raised over $3 million, the bulk of which has come from people we don’t know who’ve given $10 and $20 gifts.”
Tomorrow night will be his first Patriots game without his wife.
To continue reading, click on the read more button below if you’re on the home page.
On Saturday he was asked what it was like to receive such high praise from a rival. Kraft revealed he had gotten a personal letter from Colts president Bill Polian thanking him for his work in the labor agreement. He then waxed poetic on Saturday:
“The NFL and the NFL players and owners are lucky there was a guy like Jeff Saturday in the league. Players are passing through, but he took the role of a principal and he made every negotiating session. The reason we don’t have double practices, he put so much time and effort…without Jeff Saturday, there wouldn’t have been a deal.”
Kraft added, “It’s hard to like to center for Peyton Manning, but I really like the guy.”
On Ochocinco: “Well, first of all, gotta love him. I have people emailing me who would like to host him. I’m not sure I want the responsibility, except someone prominent here in Foxboro has offered to be his host.”
Kraft wouldn’t identify who that might be.
On Haynesworth: “I met with him and I like the guy. He didn’t come here for the money. He came here to be part of a team and win, and I think in some ways improve his reputation. I found him to be genuine and sincere. Now I hope he gets on the field and does his thing.”
Sounds like the feeling is mutual.
Follow Steve on Twitter @djstevem
