Robert Kraft's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Robert Kraft. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1968: Control of Rand-Whitney Group

In 1968, Kraft gained control of the Rand-Whitney Group through a leveraged buyout and remains the chairman.

1972: Founding International Forest Products

In 1972, Kraft founded International Forest Products, a trader of physical paper commodities.

1985: Option on Foxboro Raceway

In 1985, Kraft bought a 10-year option on Foxboro Raceway, a horse track adjacent to the stadium.

1988: Purchase of Sullivan Stadium

In 1988, Kraft bought Sullivan Stadium out of bankruptcy court for $22 million.

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).

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.

2001: Tom Brady as Starter

In 2001, Tom Brady became the team's starter, marking the beginning of a successful run with the New England Patriots.

2001: Super Bowl XXXVI Win

The Patriots won Super Bowl XXXVI.

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.

2003: Super Bowl XXXVIII Win

The Patriots won Super Bowl XXXVIII.

2004: Super Bowl XXXIX Win

The Patriots won Super Bowl XXXIX.

2009: AFC East Title Streak Begins

From 2009 to 2019, the Patriots won 11 consecutive AFC East titles.

2014: Super Bowl XLIX Win

The Patriots won Super Bowl XLIX.

2016: Super Bowl LI Win

The Patriots won Super Bowl LI.

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.

2018: Super Bowl LIII Win

The Patriots won Super Bowl LIII.

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.

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.