Robert Kraft wanted to be Rob Gronkowski in his next life, but back surgery changed New England Patriots owner’s mind (Image via Getty: Rob Gronkowski and Robert Kraft)
The 85-year-old billionaire once famously said he wanted to come back as Gronkowski in his next life. On Saturday, November 7, 2026, Patriots legend Rob Gronkowski is scheduled to be inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame. However, Robert Kraft won’t be present to witness the memorable moment.
However, that wish has changed after Kraft experienced the painful reality of back surgery. Speaking with ESPN’s Mike Reiss, the owner expressed his disappointment.
The Patriots selected Rob Gronkowski in the second round as the 42nd overall pick of the 2010 NFL Draft. Gronkowski spent nine seasons in New England before announcing his first retirement in March 2019, at age 29. During his Patriots career, Gronkowski recorded 7,861 receiving yards and 79 touchdowns, helping the team capture three Super Bowl titles.
Because i had never seen him have a bad day, “I always told Gronk that in my next life, I wanted to come back as him.
“As much pain as I was in before having surgery, it pains me even more to miss the ceremony,” Kraft said. The Patriots owner is currently recovering from a medical procedure that will prevent him from attending Gronkowski’s Patriots Hall of Fame induction. Kraft is deeply disappointed about missing the special occasion, along with the team’s upcoming games – at least two of those. The New England owner also compared his recovery to an NFL player’s injured reserve status. But after a couple of back surgeries, I take that back. I never want to experience that again,” Kraft added. Franchise owner Robert Kraft still remembers celebrating draft day alongside the tight end’s father and brothers. In an Instagram post, he thanked team owner Robert Kraft and head coach Bill Belichick for giving him the opportunity to play for the franchise.