How Long Has Robert Kraft Owned The Patriots

So, I was at the local sports bar the other night, you know, the one with the massive TV screens and the wings that are just the right amount of spicy. I was there with my buddy, Pat, yeah, like the saint, and we got to talking about the Patriots. Now, Pat's been a Pats fan since he was a kid, and he's got this theory that Robert Kraft has always owned the team, like since the beginning of time.

I mean, I get it, the guy's been around for what feels like forever, but has he really? Let's dive into the time machine and find out.

Back to the '80s

Alright, so let's rewind to 1988. The Patriots were in a bit of a pickle, financially speaking. They were owned by a guy named Billy Sullivan, but things weren't looking great. Enter Victor Kiam, the guy who used to sell those Remington shavers on TV. He bought the team, but he wasn't in it for the long haul. He sold it to a group of investors in 1989, and that's where our story really gets interesting.

Enter Kraft

One of those investors was a guy named Robert Kraft. Now, you might think, "Hey, that's not so long ago. Maybe Pat's right!" But hold your horses, because Kraft wasn't the majority owner just yet. He was just one of the guys with a piece of the pie. Fast forward to 1994, and things start to get really interesting.

The team was struggling, both on and off the field. The other owners were ready to pack up and move the Patriots to St. Louis. But Kraft, he had a different idea. He stepped up, bought out the other owners, and became the majority shareholder. And just like that, the Patriots had a new owner, and a pretty dedicated one at that.

From Then to Now

So, Pat, how long has Robert Kraft owned the Patriots? Well, since 1994, my friend. That's 28 years and counting. Not quite since the beginning of time, but pretty darn close in the world of sports ownership. And in that time, Kraft has done something pretty remarkable. He's turned the Patriots into one of the most successful and beloved teams in the NFL.

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft in $1BILLION personal donation

I mean, think about it. Six Super Bowl wins, countless playoff appearances, and a fan base that's as passionate as they come. All under Kraft's ownership. Not bad for a guy who started out as just one of the investors, huh?

More Than Just an Owner

But Kraft isn't just an owner. He's a fan. He's a cheerleader. He's the guy who's been known to give out hugs and high-fives on the sidelines. He's the guy who's been there through it all, from the lean years to the glory days. And he's not going anywhere anytime soon.

So, next time you're at a Pats game, or watching them on TV, or just talking about them with your friends, remember this: Robert Kraft has been the man behind the team for nearly three decades. And he's not just the owner. He's a part of the Patriots' story. He's a part of our story.

And who knows? Maybe one day, Pat's kids will be sitting in that sports bar, talking about how long Robert Kraft has owned the Patriots. And they'll say, "Well, he's been there since... forever." And in a way, that's not so far from the truth.