New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft traveled to Munich to discuss his team’s growing German fanbase ahead of their upcoming NFL matchup.
The 85-year-old businessman bought the NFL franchise 32 years ago and purchased Major League Soccer side New England Revolution in 1996, according to WELT. Kraft’s business fortune stems primarily from the paper and packaging industry, with an estimated net worth of $15.2 billion.
German fan support rivals levels seen anywhere outside the United States, Kraft told WELT. A generation of German supporters grew up watching the team during its championship runs, identifying with core values of hard work, discipline, and teamwork.
“At our last game here I had the feeling we were at the Super Bowl,” Kraft told WELT.
The Patriots enter the Munich fixture following a 29-13 loss to Seattle in the previous Super Bowl, a defeat that followed a poor prior season.
Kraft expressed optimism regarding the team’s young quarterback, returning coach, and roster talent. The NFL has confirmed games in Munich for 2026 and 2028, alongside Berlin fixtures in 2027 and 2029, leaving multi-game schedules dependent on league calendars and stadium availability.
Combatting Rising Antisemitism
Beyond football, Kraft spends significant time addressing the rise of antisemitism in the United States, which he compares to the political climate of 1930s Germany. The billionaire established the Blue Square Alliance Against Hate, anchored by a blue square symbol worn globally to counter prejudice.
“Silence is the greatest ally of hate,” Kraft told WELT.
Two specific events catalyzed his activism: the 2017 white supremacist rally in Charlottesville and the 2018 shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh.
Kraft said that Jewish houses of worship in the United States now require armed guards, a reality he called sad.
Asked about the rise of the Left party in Berlin and related allegations, Kraft emphasized that actions matter more than political rhetoric.
He said that Berlin political groups have pledged to protect Jewish life and Israel’s right to exist.
“Antisemitism is not a political opinion,” Kraft told WELT. “Antisemitism is hate.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Robert Kraft holds a net worth estimated at $15.2 billion, which he earned primarily through investments in the paper and packaging industry.
* When did Robert Kraft purchase the New England Patriots? Kraft purchased the NFL franchise 32 years ago and later acquired the New England Revolution soccer team in 1996.
* What specific initiative did Kraft launch to fight prejudice?
Kraft founded the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, which is now called the Blue Square Alliance Against Hate, featuring a blue square pin campaign to unite people against discrimination. The NFL confirmed games in Munich for 2026 and 2028, and in Berlin for 2027 and 2029, according to league scheduling data cited by WELT.
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