Patriots Owner Misses Gronk Ceremony: Back Surgery
Robert Kraft, 85, will sit out the Hall of Fame event and two upcoming games following a recent procedure, with his son representing him at a separate university event.
By Yasmin Nasser ·
Patriots owner Robert Kraft will miss the Hall of Fame induction ceremony for former tight end Rob Gronkowski on Saturday. The 85-year-old Kraft recently underwent back surgery and was advised by doctors to remain off his feet while he recovers.
The news came as Kraft called Gronkowski personally to share the update before it went public. Gronkowski noted that Kraft was upset about missing the moment. "RKK, this just shows what type of guy he is," Gronkowski said. "He called me yesterday to let me know before the news even came out. He was so sad."
Kraft expressed his own disappointment regarding the absence. "As much pain as I was in before having surgery, it pains me even more to miss the ceremony," Kraft said.
Kraft’s absence extends beyond Saturday. He will not attend the Sunday game against Green Bay or travel to Germany for the November 15 contest against Detroit. Instead, his son Josh Kraft represented the family at a groundbreaking for a new building at Brandeis University.
The new facility, named the Robert Kraft Center for Jewish Life and Leadership, is part of a renovation project that Kraft helped fund with a $10 million donation. Josh Kraft noted that his father spoke with Brandeis President Athur Levine from his hospital bed. Levine said, "Yesterday Mr. Kraft called me from his hospital bed. I reminded him we’ll have another cause to celebrate, after this building is opened, and we get to do amazing things here."
Josh Kraft added that his father is eager to return for the official ribbon-cutting. "My dad really wanted to be here today, but I heard him on the phone with President Levine, and he definitely will be here at the ribbon-cutting," Josh said.
Gronkowski, who played nine seasons for the Patriots from 2010 to 2018, holds the franchise record for total touchdowns with 80. He won three Super Bowls and earned five Pro Bowl selections during his tenure. His induction ceremony is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
