History of Robert Kraft in Timeline
Robert Kraft is an American billionaire businessman, best known as the chairman and CEO of the Kraft Group. His portfolio includes holdings in paper, sports, real estate, and private equity. Kraft is most prominently recognized as the owner of the New England Patriots (NFL) since 1994 and the New England Revolution (MLS) since its founding in 1996. He also founded the Boston Uprising Overwatch League esports team in 2017, which disbanded in early 2024. With an estimated net worth of $11.1 billion as of July 2024, Kraft remains a significant figure in both the business and sports worlds.
June 5, 1941: Robert Kraft's Birth
On June 5, 1941, Robert Kenneth Kraft was born. He would later become a billionaire businessman and the chairman and CEO of the Kraft Group.
1962: Meeting Myra Hiatt
In 1962, Kraft met Myra Hiatt at a delicatessen in Boston's Back Bay.
June 1963: Marriage to Myra Hiatt
In June 1963, Robert Kraft married Myra Hiatt.
June 1963: Robert Kraft Marries Myra Nathalie Hiatt
In June 1963, Robert Kraft married Myra Nathalie Hiatt, a 1964 graduate of Brandeis University.
1965: Graduation from Harvard Business School
In 1965, Kraft received an MBA from Harvard Business School.
1968: Control of Rand-Whitney Group
In 1968, Kraft gained control of the Rand-Whitney Group through a leveraged buyout and remains the chairman.
1970: Considered Running for Representative
In 1970, Kraft considered running against Representative Philip J. Philbin but ultimately decided not to, citing concerns over privacy and family strain.
1971: Season Ticket Holder
Since 1971, Kraft has been a New England Patriots season ticket holder, when the team moved to Schaefer Stadium.
1972: Founding International Forest Products
In 1972, Kraft founded International Forest Products, a trader of physical paper commodities.
1974: Purchase of the Boston Lobsters
In 1974, Kraft, along with others, purchased the Boston Lobsters of World TeamTennis (WTT).
1978: Boston Lobsters Fold
Following the 1978 season, Kraft announced that the Boston Lobsters franchise would fold.
1982: Investment in New England Television Corp.
In 1982, Kraft invested in New England Television Corp., which gained control of the channel 7 license for Boston.
1984: The Jackson Five Victory Tour
In 1984, the Sullivan family had to pledge Sullivan Stadium as collateral due to a series of bad investments, principally The Jackson Five 1984 Victory Tour.
1985: Option on Foxboro Raceway
In 1985, Kraft bought a 10-year option on Foxboro Raceway, a horse track adjacent to the stadium.
1986: Kraft Named President of the Corporation
In 1986, Kraft was named president of New England Television Corp.
1988: Purchase of Sullivan Stadium
In 1988, Kraft bought Sullivan Stadium out of bankruptcy court for $22 million.
1988: Sullivan Sells Controlling Interest of the Team
In 1988, the problems of the Sullivan family forced them to sell controlling interest of the New England Patriots.
1990: Kraft Funds Professorship
In 1990, Kraft, his wife, and his father-in-law funded a joint professorship between Brandeis University and the College of the Holy Cross, forming the Kraft-Hiatt endowed chairs in comparative religion.
1991: Sale of Shares in New England Television Corp.
In 1991, Kraft exercised his option to sell his shares in New England Television Corp. for an estimated $25 million.
1991: Kraft's Statement About the Business
In 1991, Kraft stated that International Forest Products serves a variety of companies and packages diverse products, including "Avon, Kodak, cosmetics companies, candies, toys" and items ranging "from the Patriot missile, to mints, to Estee Lauder, Indiana Glass and Polaroid."
1992: Sale of the Patriots
In 1992, Victor Kiam was forced to sell the New England Patriots to James Orthwein.
1994: Sale Approval and Sell-Out Season
Following the NFL's approval of the sale of the Patriots to Kraft in 1994, the team sold out their entire 1994 season, marking the first full sell-out in franchise history.
1994: Acquisition of Patriots
In 1994, Kraft launched a hostile takeover and acquired the New England Patriots for $172 million, the highest amount ever paid for an NFL team at the time.
1996: Founding of New England Revolution
In 1996, Kraft founded the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer (MLS).
1996: Super Bowl XXXI Appearance
The New England Patriots represented the AFC in Super Bowl XXXI in 1996 but lost.
1997: International Forest Products Among Top US Exporters/Importers
In 1997, International Forest Products became a top 100 US exporter/importer.
1998: Ownership of San Jose Clash
From 1998 to 2000, Kraft owned the San Jose Clash (later San Jose Earthquakes).
1998: Considered Moving Patriots to Hartford
In 1998, Kraft considered moving the New England Patriots to Hartford, Connecticut, based on an offer to finance a new stadium but ultimately decided to build in Foxborough.
1998: Formation of the Kraft Group
In 1998, Kraft formed the Kraft Group as an umbrella for his various business interests.
January 27, 2000: Hiring Bill Belichick
On January 27, 2000, Kraft traded a first-round draft pick to the New York Jets for the rights to hire Bill Belichick as head coach.
2000: End of Ownership of San Jose Clash
From 1998 to 2000, Kraft owned the San Jose Clash (later San Jose Earthquakes).
2000: Kraft Donates to Construct Columbia/Barnard Hillel
In 2000, Kraft donated $11.5 million to construct the Columbia/Barnard Hillel, which is made of the same white stone used in Jerusalem.
2001: Stadium Lease to the Patriots
In 1988, Kraft's purchase of Sullivan Stadium included the stadium's lease to the New England Patriots which ran through 2001.
2001: International Forest Products Ranked #7
In 2001, International Forest Products was ranked No. 7 on the Journal of Commerce's list of top US exporters/importers.
2002: Financing of Gillette Stadium
In 2002, Kraft financed a $350-million stadium for the Patriots, initially called CMGI Field but later renamed Gillette Stadium.
2004: Liverpool's Champions League Win
In November 2005, Kraft met with Rick Parry, the chief executive of English Premier League team Liverpool who were the 2004-05 Champions League winners, amid rumors of potential investment.
November 2005: Meeting with Liverpool CEO
In November 2005, Kraft met with Rick Parry, the chief executive of English Premier League team Liverpool, amid rumors of potential investment.
2005: Gift of Super Bowl Ring to Vladimir Putin
In 2005, Kraft gave his Super Bowl ring to Russian President Vladimir Putin during a visit to Saint Petersburg; it is now on display at the Kremlin.
2007: Development of Patriot Place
In 2007, Kraft began developing the land around Gillette Stadium, creating a $375-million open-air shopping and entertainment center called Patriot Place, including "The Hall at Patriot Place presented by Raytheon," and the "CBS Scene" restaurant.
2007: Robert K. Kraft Field Named
In 2007, after a $5 million payment to Columbia's intercollegiate athletics program, the playing field at Columbia's Lawrence A. Wien Stadium at the Baker Field Athletics Complex was named Robert K. Kraft Field.
2007: Super Bowl XLII Appearance
The Patriots represented the AFC in Super Bowl XLII in 2007 but lost.
2009: AFC East Title Streak Begins
From 2009 to 2019, the Patriots won 11 consecutive AFC East titles.
July 20, 2011: Death of Myra Nathalie Hiatt Kraft
On July 20, 2011, Myra Nathalie Hiatt Kraft, Robert Kraft's wife, died of ovarian cancer at the age of 68.
2011: Role in Settling NFL Lockout
In 2011, Jeff Saturday acknowledged Kraft's pivotal role in resolving the NFL lockout, stating that Kraft "helped us save football."
2011: Krafts Pledge to Partners HealthCare
In 2011, the Krafts pledged $20 million to Partners HealthCare to launch the Kraft Family National Center for Leadership and Training in Community Health, an initiative designed to improve access to quality healthcare at community health centers throughout New England.
2011: Super Bowl XLVI Appearance
The Patriots represented the AFC in Super Bowl XLVI in 2011 but lost.
June 2012: Kraft Begins Dating Ricki Noel Lander
In June 2012, Kraft began dating actress Ricki Noel Lander, who was 38 years his junior.
July 2012: Kraft Assists Lander with Audition Video
In July 2012, Kraft assisted Ricki Noel Lander in creating an audition video for a role in The Internship, which later caused controversy when it was made public.
2013: Kraft Matches Donations for Boston Marathon Victims
Following the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013, Kraft announced he would match up to $100,000 in donations made for the victims through the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation.
June 2017: Grand Opening of Kraft Family Sports Campus
In June 2017, Kraft, along with several NFL Hall of Famers, traveled to Israel for the grand opening of the new Kraft Family Sports Campus.
July 2017: Ownership of Boston Uprising
In July 2017, Blizzard Entertainment announced that Kraft bought ownership in the Boston Uprising, one of the first seven teams for the professional esports Overwatch League.
October 2017: Interest in Premier League Club
In October 2017, Kraft expressed continued interest in buying a Premier League football club but cited concerns about the lack of a salary cap in British football.
December 6, 2017: Overwatch League Preseason
Preseason for the Overwatch League began on December 6, 2017.
2017: Kraft Donates to Trump's Inauguration
In 2017, Kraft donated $1 million to Donald Trump's inauguration day celebrations and had made donations to his presidential campaign as well.
2017: Founding of Boston Uprising
In 2017, Kraft founded the Boston Uprising, an Overwatch League esports team.
2017: Honorary Chairman for FIFA World Cup Bid
In 2017, Kraft was named the Honorary Chairman of the board of directors for the successful joint Canadian-Mexican-American bid for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
2017: Support for Ryan O'Callaghan
In 2017, after former Patriot Ryan O'Callaghan publicly came out as gay, Kraft supported him and invited him to a reception.
2017: Super Bowl LII Appearance
The Patriots represented the AFC in Super Bowl LII in 2017 but lost.
January 10, 2018: Overwatch League Regular Season
The regular season for the Overwatch League started on January 10, 2018.
2018: Kraft and Lander Break Up
In 2018, Kraft and Ricki Noel Lander broke up.
2018: Kraft Donates to Combined Jewish Philanthropies
In 2018, Kraft donated $10 million to Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston for the renovation of its headquarters in downtown Boston.
June 2019: Kraft Receives Israel's Genesis Prize
In June 2019, Kraft received Israel's Genesis Prize. While at the event in Jerusalem, Kraft pledged $20 million to establish a foundation that will fight antisemitism and combat the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel.
2019: AFC East Title Streak Ends
From 2009 to 2019, the Patriots won 11 consecutive AFC East titles.
2019: Hiring Bruce Arena
In 2019, Kraft hired Bruce Arena as head coach and sporting director of the New England Revolution.
2019: Kraft's Charitable Activities
In 2019, Kraft pledged $100,000 to the families of seven motorcyclists killed in a crash and donated $20,000 to honor fallen firefighter Christopher Roy. He also teamed with Jay-Z, Meek Mill, and Michael G. Rubin to announce the REFORM Alliance for criminal justice reform. Additionally, Kraft invited children with incarcerated parents to a Patriots game and, as of 2019, had led 27 missions to Israel.
2019: Kraft Faces Solicitation Charges
In 2019, Kraft was among 25 people facing first-degree misdemeanor charges for soliciting prostitution at a day spa. The charges were later dropped after a court ruled that prosecutors could not use hidden camera videos in their case due to privacy concerns.
2019: Final Whistle on Hate Soccer Match
In 2019, Kraft, along with Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich, hosted a soccer match between the New England Revolution and Chelsea F.C., called Final Whistle on Hate, to raise money to combat antisemitism. The match raised an estimated $4 million, with Kraft personally contributing $1 million toward the fund.
2019: Tom Brady Departure
Tom Brady was the team's starter from 2001 to 2019.
May 2020: Kraft Auctions Super Bowl LI Ring
In May 2020, Kraft put his Super Bowl LI ring up for auction with proceeds designated to help feed those facing food insecurity as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020: Kraft Purchases and Donates Masks
In 2020, Kraft partnered with Tencent to purchase 1.2 million N95 masks to donate to medical workers in New York and Massachusetts to help combat the coronavirus pandemic, sending the Patriots' private team plane to China to pick up the supplies.
2020: Popovich Calls Kraft Hypocritical
In 2020, NBA coach Gregg Popovich called Kraft "hypocritical" for supporting Trump while claiming to advocate for social justice.
2020: First Playoff Win in Six Years
In 2020, the New England Revolution had their first playoff win in six years.
January 6, 2021: Kraft Distances Himself from Trump after Attack
It was reported that Kraft had initially distanced himself from Donald Trump in the years following the January 6, 2021 attack.
May 2021: Patriots Plane Delivers Vaccines to El Salvador
In May 2021, the Patriots' team plane, owned by Kraft, was used to deliver 500,000 vaccines to El Salvador.
October 2021: Kraft Lends Patriots Plane to URI Rams
In October 2021, Kraft lent the Patriots team plane to the University of Rhode Island Rams football team after their charter flight fell through and covered all costs.
April 2022: Robert K. Kraft Family Fellowship Fund Created
In April 2022, Harvard Business School announced the creation of the Robert K. Kraft Family Fellowship Fund, committing $24 million to benefit potential students with limited means to attend HBS.
October 2022: Kraft Marries Dana Blumberg
In October 2022, Kraft married Dana Blumberg in New York City. They had reportedly begun dating in 2017.
October 30, 2022: Foundation to Combat Antisemitism Airs "Stand Up to Jewish Hate" Ad
On October 30, 2022, the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism (FCAS), which was founded by Kraft, sponsored an ad encouraging people to denounce hate against Jewish people. The ad aired during NFL games and was titled "Stand Up to Jewish Hate."
March 2023: "Stand Up to Jewish Hate" Campaign Launched
In March 2023, Kraft invested $25 million in the "Stand Up to Jewish Hate" campaign which launched through the foundation to raise awareness concerning antisemitism found online.
2023: Patriots Franchise Value
In 2023, Forbes estimated the New England Patriots to be worth $7 billion, making it one of the most valuable franchises in the NFL.
January 2024: Boston Uprising Disbandment
In January 2024, the Boston Uprising, an Overwatch League esports team founded by Kraft, disbanded.
April 2024: Kraft Stops Funding Columbia University
In April 2024, during the Columbia University pro-Palestinian campus protests and occupations during the Gaza War, Kraft stopped funding Columbia University because of its treatment of Jewish students and staff, citing "virulent hate."
July 2024: Net Worth
As of July 2024, Robert Kraft's estimated net worth was US$11.1 billion, according to Forbes.
February 2025: Trump Appoints Dana Blumberg to Kennedy Center Board
In February 2025, Donald Trump appointed Kraft's wife, Dana Blumberg, to the board of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
October 2025: Foundation to Combat Antisemitism Rebrands as Blue Square Alliance
In October 2025, the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism rebranded as Blue Square Alliance.
2026: Kraft's Honorary Chairmanship of the FIFA World Cup
In 2017, Kraft was named the Honorary Chairman of the board of directors for the successful joint Canadian-Mexican-American bid for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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