WATCH: Patriots Owner Robert Kraft Shows Super Bowl Trophies to Rookies
We know, the best way to shock-and-awe the New England Patriots' rookie class would be a meet-'n-greet with Tom Brady. Next best: A introduction to the hardware he left behind.
At an event introducing New England rookies including first-round pick Christian Gonzalez to the "Patriot Way," owner Robert Kraft didn't have Brady handy so he instead showed off the team's six Super Bowl trophies.
Kraft spoke to the rookie class in Foxboro about uniting and bringing people of all backgrounds together, and about one of his biggest off-field fights: antisemitism.
Players gawked at the trophies and also got a close-up view of the championship rings.
“I love this team," Kraft said. "The most important thing to me is that we win. But just as important to me is that we build relationships in the community and represent this brand and you, individually in the community, to do things that bring people together.”
In the wake of a disappointing 8-9 seasons in which his team missed the playoffs for the second time in three years, Kraft spearheaded change this offseason. The team replaced failed offensive play-caller Matt Patricia with the return of offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien, and has made moves to add weapons - maybe also including receiver DeAndre Hopkins - around third-year quarterback Mac Jones.
Kraft is apparently pleased with the upgrades, saying this week he "excited" to add Lombardi Trophy No. 7 to his mantle.
The Pats report for training camp at Gillette Stadium on July 25, hold their first practice July 26 and play their first preseason game on Aug. 10.
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