Robert Kraft said the last two seasons were the ‘worst years’ of his Patriots ownership

Robert Kraft, the owner of the Patriots, has not held back from criticizing the team’s performance in the previous two seasons and is still determined that things will get better in 2025.

The 84-year-old Kraft was direct in expressing his thoughts over the 4–13 seasons in 2023 and 2024 when appearing as a guest on ESPN NFL reporter Adam Schefter’s podcast of the same name.

I can tell you that I’m really looking forward to this next season, Patriots supporters. “In my thirty-one years of ownership, the last two years were the worst,” Kraft stated. That needs to be changed.

In terms of the future, Kraft seized onto the most significant development for New England in recent months: the dismissal of Jerod Mayo after just one season and the appointment of Mike Vrabel, a former linebacker and Titans coach, to head the team. He also mentioned the team’s draft class and offseason actions.

Mike Vrabel, our new coach, is doing a fantastic job and has a strong rapport with the players, Kraft said. We have a fantastic draft class, a young quarterback, and many excellent free agent veterans.

“The last two years were the worst 31 years of my ownership,” said Patriots owner Robert Kraft. That needs to be changed.Additional Kraft content, along with an exchange with @realchriswebber:LcphVY2YOH https://t.co/eHJQ5WCiKJpic.twitter.com

Overall, Kraft believes that fans who had become used to success in the first two decades of the twenty-first century will have a more pleasurable experience.

I can assure you that this year will be enjoyable.

Despite the Patriots’ years-long struggles prior to the sale, Kraft purchased the franchise in 1994 for a then-record amount for an NFL team: $172 million.

In his talk with Schefter, Kraft made reference to the Patriots of the past.

In the 34 years prior to his ownership, Kraft recalled, there was only one home playoff game. In [1978], I was seated in the stands. We lost when Earl Campbell sprinted more than 100 yards. One playoff game at home. The team has been owned by us for 31 years. We are fortunate to have won 23 of our 27 home playoff games. I hope that record continues.

Due in significant part to New England’s six Super Bowl victories under Kraft’s ownership, Forbes estimates the Patriots’ 2025 valuation to be $7.4 billion.