The New England Patriots' team owner revealed that he met with head coach Bill Belichick and veteran quarterback Tom Brady, but downplayed the reported tension within the team. “We’ve met. And I meet individually with each of them,” Kraft said as he confirmed the much-anticipated meeting, saying it happened after their Super Bowl LII loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
In an interview during the NFL annual owners meeting, Kraft clarified that the meeting was a normal routine within the team, saying they talk and meet all the time. Also, Kraft said that Belichick and Brady spend a lot of time communicating and meeting.
Earlier, Seth Wickersham of ESPN reported alleged tension between Kraft, Belichick and Brady regarding who would get the credit for the team’s success. Also, Wickersham reported that there was a strain in the relationship between Brady and Belichick after the head coach stripped the quarterback's trainer, Alex Guerrero, of some team privileges, including staying on sidelines during games and boarding team flights. Kraft, Belichick and Brady have worked together since 2000, reaching the Super Bowl nine times, winning five. In another interview with NFL Media’s Andrea Kremer, Kraft admitted that tension exists between him, Brady and Belichick, but clarified that there’s no dysfunction.
Kraft spoke about Super Bowl LII loss, Butler
Kraft talked to the media on Monday for the first time since the Patriots lost to the Eagles, 41-33, in Super Bowl LII. Kraft admitted that the residual of the loss was hard, but that he saw it as a “high-class problem.” “I sat in the stands when we were never in the playoffs at home for 20-odd years,” said Kraft, who bought the Patriots in 1994.
During this watch, the Patriots won five Super Bowls and nine AFC championships. The Patriots’ loss was partly blamed on Belichick’s decision to bench cornerback Malcolm Butler in Super Bowl LII. Kraft said he has faith in Belichick as a coach, and added that he has the football knowledge and personnel expertise to make such decisions.
Butler recently signed a five-year deal worth $61 million with the Tennessee Titans.
Kraft spoke about Gronkowski’s future
When asked about the future of Rob Gronkowski, Kraft expressed confidence that the tight end will play in the 2018 season. In an interview with The Boston Globe, Kraft confirmed that Gronkowski has been working out at Gillette Stadium. “I saw him a few weeks ago come into the building after hours,” said Kraft. The Patriots are still waiting for an official decision from Gronkowski on whether he plans to play next season or retire.
