Robert Kraft Bio, Age, Height, Family, Career, Salary, Net Worth & More in 2026

Robert Kenneth Kraft stands as one of the most transformative figures in American sports history, turning the once-struggling New England Patriots into a six-time Super Bowl champion dynasty while building a multi-billion dollar business empire. As the founder, chairman, and CEO of The Kraft Group, this Massachusetts-born entrepreneur has redefined what it means to be a sports owner, blending sharp business acumen with an unwavering commitment to community and philanthropy. From his humble beginnings as a season ticket holder sitting on cold metal benches to becoming a billionaire NFL owner with an estimated net worth exceeding $11 billion, Kraft’s journey represents the quintessential American success story.

Quick bio

Early Life & Education

Robert Kenneth Kraft was born on June 5, 1941, in Brookline, Massachusetts, a suburb of Boston. Raised in a working-class Jewish family, Kraft’s father, Harry Kraft, ran a small business in the clothing trade, instilling in young Robert the values of hard work, perseverance, and community responsibility from an early age.

Growing up in Brookline, Kraft attended public schools before enrolling at Columbia University in New York City on an academic scholarship. At Columbia, he demonstrated exceptional leadership abilities, serving as class president and playing on the school’s football team as a lightweight player. He graduated in 1963 with a bachelor’s degree in economics.

Following his undergraduate studies, Kraft pursued advanced business education at Harvard Business School, where he earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 1965. This prestigious academic foundation would prove instrumental in his future business ventures, providing him with the strategic framework to build a diversified conglomerate.

It was during his time at Harvard that Kraft met his first wife, Myra Hiatt, the daughter of Jacob Hiatt, a successful Worcester, Massachusetts businessman who owned the Rand-Whitney Group, a paper packaging company. This connection would ultimately provide Kraft with his entry into the business world that would make his fortune.

Career Journey

The Paper and Packaging Empire (1968–1994)

Kraft’s professional career began in 1968 when he joined the Rand-Whitney Group, the paper packaging company owned by his father-in-law, Jacob Hiatt. Displaying remarkable business instincts, Kraft purchased half of the company in 1968 and assumed complete control in 1972. Under his leadership, Rand-Whitney expanded significantly, establishing itself as a major player in the paper and packaging industry.

In 1972, Kraft founded International Forest Products (IFP), a global trading company dealing in wood, pulp, and paper products. IFP grew to become the sixth-largest exporter in North America, conducting business in over 120 countries annually. Kraft’s innovative approach to business included environmental stewardship—he built the first paper mill in the United States capable of producing product from 100% post-consumer fiber and wastewater, setting new industry standards for sustainability.

In 1998, Kraft consolidated his various business interests under The Kraft Group, a diversified holding company encompassing paper and packaging, real estate development, sports and entertainment, and private equity investments.

The New England Patriots Transformation (1994–Present)

The Historic Purchase

Robert Kraft’s destiny with the New England Patriots began not in an owner’s box, but in the stands. A lifelong football fan, Kraft became a Patriots season ticket holder in 1971 when the team moved to Schaefer Stadium in Foxborough. For 23 years, he attended games with his family, sitting in Section 217, Row 25, Seats 1-6—cold metal benches that would freeze to fans’ clothing during late-season games.

In 1985, Kraft made a pivotal move by purchasing an option on the land surrounding Sullivan Stadium (later Foxboro Stadium). This $25 million investment seemed risky at the time, but it proved to be a masterstroke. In 1988, he purchased the stadium itself out of bankruptcy court for $22 million, acquiring a binding lease that would prove crucial in his future ownership bid.

When previous Patriots owner James Busch Orthwein attempted to move the team to St. Louis in 1994, Kraft faced a defining moment. He was offered $75 million to void the team’s stadium lease—a substantial profit on his investment. Instead, on January 21, 1994, Kraft made an 11th-hour bid to purchase the franchise for $172 million, then the highest price ever paid for an NFL team. He later recalled his pledge that day: “My objective in buying the Patriots is to help bring a championship to New England.”

Building a Dynasty

The transformation was immediate and dramatic. In the five years prior to Kraft’s ownership, the Patriots had won only 19 of 80 games (.238 winning percentage) with zero playoff appearances. In Kraft’s first five seasons, the team won 49 games, made four playoff appearances, and reached Super Bowl XXXI in 1996.

The turning point came in 2000 when Kraft hired Bill Belichick as head coach and drafted tom brady in the sixth round. This partnership would produce unprecedented success:

• 6 Super Bowl Championships (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX, XLIX, LI, LIII)
• 10 Super Bowl Appearances
• 19 Division Titles
• 357 total wins (1994–2024), averaging 11.5 wins per season

Under Kraft’s ownership, the Patriots achieved the highest winning percentage in all of professional sports. The franchise, valued at approximately $9.1 billion in 2025, represents one of the greatest return on investments in sports history.

Gillette Stadium and Patriot Place

From 2000–2002, Kraft privately financed the construction of Gillette Stadium, a $325 million facility built without personal seat license fees—a rarity in modern sports. The stadium opened in 2002 and has sold out 324 consecutive home games (excluding the COVID-19 2020 season). In 2007, Kraft expanded the development with Patriot Place, a mixed-use lifestyle center featuring retail, dining, and entertainment options, transforming Foxborough into a premier sports destination.

Soccer and International Sports

Kraft’s sports portfolio extends beyond football. In 1995, he became one of Major League Soccer’s original investors, founding the New England Revolution. He played a crucial role in securing Foxborough as a host venue for the 1994 FIFA World Cup and served as Honorary Chairman of the Board for the United Bid Committee that successfully brought the 2026 FIFA World Cup to North America.

Personal Life

Family and Relationships

Robert Kraft’s personal life has been marked by both profound love and public scrutiny. In 1963, he married Myra Hiatt, his college sweetheart. Their marriage lasted nearly 50 years until Myra’s death from ovarian cancer in July 2011 at age 68. Together, they raised four sons:

1. Jonathan Kraft – President of The Kraft Group and the New England Patriots
2. Daniel Kraft
3. Joshua Kraft
4. David Kraft

Following Myra’s death, the Patriots honored her memory by wearing her initials “MHK” on their uniforms throughout the 2011 season.

In 2012, Kraft began a relationship with actress Ricki Lander, which ended in 2018. He then found love with Dr. Dana Blumberg, an ophthalmologist born in 1974 (making her 33 years younger than Kraft). The couple reportedly met in 2017 at a bar in Lenox, Massachusetts, and married in a surprise ceremony on October 14, 2022, at the Hall des Lumières in New York City. The event, disguised as a “Kickoff and a Touchdown” party, surprised over 200 guests who didn’t realize they were attending a wedding.

Dr. Blumberg, who maintains a private life with no social media presence, founded Pawtriots, an animal rescue organization, in July 2025. The couple actively participates in philanthropy together, including the annual Thanksgiving-in-a-Basket food distribution event for Boston families.

Community Involvement

Kraft maintains deep ties to his Massachusetts roots while spending time at his Palm Beach, Florida residence. He serves on the boards of the Apollo Theater, Massachusetts Competitive Partnership, and The Paley Center for Media. He is a trustee emeritus at Columbia University and trustee at Boston College.

Awards & Achievements

Business and Sports Honors

• Sports Business Journal Lifetime Achievement Award (2022)
• Theodore Roosevelt Award (NCAA’s highest honor for citizens, 2012) – Previous recipients include U.S. Presidents
• George Halas Award (2012) – First NFL owner to receive this honor from the Pro Football Writers Association
• Sports Executive of the Year (following Gillette Stadium construction)
• Sports Industrialist of the Year (shared with son Jonathan Kraft)
• Pro Football Hall of Fame Nominee (2025–2026) – Advanced to semifinalist stage for Contributor category

Academic and Civic Recognition

• Carnegie Hall Medal of Excellence (2013)
• Genesis Prize (for philanthropic leadership)
• Induction into American Academy of Arts and Sciences (231st class)
• Columbia University Athletic Hall of Fame (2012)
• Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame (2016)
• Happy Warrior Award (2025) – Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation
• Harvard Business School Alumni Achievement Award
• Multiple honorary degrees from various universities

Philanthropic Milestones

• Lifetime charitable giving exceeding $900 million
• Established the Kraft Family Blood Donor Center at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
• Created the Robert K. Kraft Family Center for Jewish Student Life at Columbia University
• Founded the Kraft Family Fund for Interfaith and Intercultural Awareness
• Major supporter of the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism

Physical Statistics

Quotes

“Sometimes, life is unfair, and you have to suck it up and move on and not use it as an excuse.”

“Life is about collecting good people around you. You can’t have enough good people.”

“People who aren’t fans don’t understand one thing. I don’t think there is anything like the power of a franchise that can bind and bring a community together… Everything today with technology, I don’t think there are that many things that bind families and community together. And I think teams do that.”

Controversies

2019 Florida Massage Parlor Investigation

In February 2019, Kraft faced legal trouble when he was charged with two misdemeanor counts of solicitation of prostitution in Jupiter, Florida. Authorities alleged that surveillance footage captured Kraft paying for sexual services at the Orchids of Asia Day Spa on two occasions in January 2019, including the morning of the AFC Championship Game.

Kraft pleaded not guilty, and his legal team successfully argued that the “sneak-and-peek” warrants used to install hidden cameras violated privacy rights. In May 2019, a judge ruled the video evidence inadmissible, and prosecutors dropped the charges in September 2020. The recordings were subsequently ordered destroyed in July 2021.

Kraft issued a public apology, stating: “I know I have hurt and disappointed my family, my close friends, my co-workers, our fans and many others who rightfully hold me to a higher standard… The last thing I would ever want to do is disrespect another human being.”

The incident drew significant media attention and became fodder for comedians, including a controversial joke during the 2024 Netflix roast of Tom Brady that prompted Brady to defend his former owner.

NFL Labor Relations

Kraft played a pivotal role during the 2011 NFL lockout, serving as a mediator between owners and players. NFLPA executive committee member Jeff Saturday famously credited Kraft, saying, “Without him, this deal does not get done,” following a hug between the two that symbolized the end of the labor dispute. While praised for his diplomacy, some critics questioned the power dynamics of owner-player relationships in professional sports.

Salary & Net Worth

Current Financial Standing (2025–2026)

Robert Kraft’s net worth is estimated between $11 billion and $13.8 billion as of 2025, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in Massachusetts and among the top 10 richest NFL owners.

Net Worth Breakdown:

• New England Patriots valuation: $9.1 billion (recently sold 8% minority stake to Sixth Street Capital and Dean Metropoulos)
• New England Revolution: Valued at approximately $530 million
• The Kraft Group assets: Paper and packaging operations, real estate holdings, private equity portfolio (100+ investments)
• Gillette Stadium and Patriot Place: Premium real estate assets

Salary and Income

As a private business owner, Kraft does not receive a traditional salary. His income derives from:

• Dividends and distributions from The Kraft Group subsidiaries
• NFL revenue sharing (television contracts, merchandise, licensing)
• Real estate income from Patriot Place and other developments
• Private equity returns from venture investments

The Kraft Group’s paper and packaging division remains one of the largest privately-owned forest products companies globally, contributing significantly to the family’s wealth independent of sports operations.

Wealth Growth Trajectory

• 1994: Purchased Patriots for $172 million
• 2025: Patriots valued at $9.1 billion (5,200% increase)
• Forbes 400 Ranking: Consistently ranked among America’s wealthiest individuals

Interesting Facts

1. Section 217, Row 25: Kraft sat in these seats as a season ticket holder for 23 years before buying the team. He still remembers the cold metal benches that would stick to fans’ clothing in winter weather.
2. No Connection to Kraft Foods: Despite the shared name, Robert Kraft has absolutely no relation to Kraft Foods (makers of Kraft Singles, Jell-O, Oscar Mayer). This is a common misconception.
3. Super Bowl Ring Collection: Kraft possesses six Super Bowl championship rings as an owner, making him one of the most decorated owners in NFL history.
4. First Date Bar: For their wedding gift, friend Michael Rubin temporarily renamed the Olde Heritage Tavern in Lenox, Massachusetts to “Blumberg’s”—the exact bar where Kraft and Dana had their first date in 2017.
5. Academic Scholarship: Kraft attended Columbia University on a full academic scholarship, not an athletic scholarship, despite playing football.
6. World Cup Influence: Kraft was instrumental in bringing the 2026 FIFA World Cup to North America, serving as Honorary Chairman of the United Bid Committee.
7. Environmental Pioneer: He built the first U.S. paper mill capable of producing 100% post-consumer fiber products, setting industry environmental standards.
8. Apollo Theater Connection: Kraft threw his wife Dana’s surprise 50th birthday party at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, where he used to attend amateur nights as a Columbia undergraduate.
9. Lifetime Giving: The Kraft family has donated over $900 million to charitable causes, with particular focus on education, healthcare, and combating antisemitism.
10. Hall of Fame Quest: Kraft has been nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a Contributor, advancing to the semifinalist round in 2025. If inducted, he would be only the sixth owner since 2000 to receive this honor.

Social Media Links

While Robert Kraft maintains a relatively private personal social media presence, fans can follow official updates through these channels:Table

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Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Robert Kraft in 2026?

Robert Kraft is 84 years old, born on June 5, 1941.

What is Robert Kraft’s net worth?

As of 2025–2026, Robert Kraft’s net worth is estimated between $11 billion and $13.8 billion, primarily from his ownership of the New England Patriots and The Kraft Group business holdings.

Is Robert Kraft related to Kraft Foods?

No. Despite the identical surname, Robert Kraft has no connection to Kraft Foods (now part of Kraft Heinz). He built his fortune through paper and packaging, not food manufacturing.

Who is Robert Kraft’s current wife?

Robert Kraft married Dr. Dana Blumberg, an ophthalmologist, in October 2022. She is 33 years younger than Kraft (born in 1974) and maintains a private life focused on medical practice and philanthropy.

How many Super Bowls have the Patriots won under Robert Kraft?

Under Kraft’s ownership (1994–present), the Patriots have won 6 Super Bowl championships (2002, 2004, 2005, 2015, 2017, 2019) and appeared in 10 Super Bowls total.

How did Robert Kraft make his money?

Kraft built his initial wealth through the paper and packaging industry, acquiring Rand-Whitney Group and founding International Forest Products. He purchased the Patriots in 1994 for $172 million; the team is now valued at over $9 billion.

What happened with Robert Kraft and the Florida massage parlor case?

In 2019, Kraft was charged with solicitation in Jupiter, Florida, but charges were dropped in 2020 after a judge ruled that surveillance evidence was obtained illegally. Kraft apologized for his conduct, and the video evidence was ordered destroyed in 2021.

Does Robert Kraft have children?

Yes, Kraft has four sons from his first marriage to Myra Hiatt: Jonathan, Daniel, Joshua, and David. Jonathan Kraft serves as President of The Kraft Group and the New England Patriots.

What is The Kraft Group?

The Kraft Group is a diversified holding company founded in 1998, encompassing businesses in paper and packaging, sports and entertainment (Patriots, Revolution, Gillette Stadium), real estate development, and private equity (100+ investments).

Is Robert Kraft in the Hall of Fame?

As of 2026, Kraft has not yet been inducted but is a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Contributor category. He advanced to this stage in both 2025 and 2026 voting cycles.

Conclusion

Robert Kraft’s legacy extends far beyond the football field. From a young boy attending Patriots games in freezing cold stadiums to becoming one of the most successful sports owners in history, his journey embodies the American dream. His transformation of the New England Patriots from a struggling franchise into a six-time Super Bowl champion dynasty represents perhaps the greatest turnaround in professional sports history.

Beyond the touchdowns and championships, Kraft’s impact resonates through his philanthropic generosity—over $900 million in lifetime giving—and his commitment to community building. Whether through the Kraft Family Blood Donor Center, his Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, or simply ensuring that Patriots games remain accessible to middle-class families without personal seat licenses, Kraft has consistently prioritized people over profits.

As he enters his mid-80s, Kraft continues to shape the NFL’s future while navigating personal challenges and public scrutiny. His potential induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame would cement his status among the game’s immortals, though his legacy is already secure: a businessman who loved football enough to save a team, a philanthropist who gave back generously, and a fan who never forgot what it felt like to sit in Section 217, Row 25, hoping for a championship that would eventually come six times over.

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