Given the New England Patriots’ extraordinary success and the Dallas Cowboys’ ongoing struggles over the past 28 years, Robert Kraft, the Patriots’ owner, is raising eyebrows over Jerry Jones’s inclusion in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Kraft’s questioning isn’t just about the Cowboys’ recent performance but also about why he himself isn’t in the Hall of Fame, despite his own team’s remarkable achievements.
Robert Kraft boasts six Super Bowl rings, yet he has never been seriously considered for enshrinement in Canton. In contrast, Jerry Jones, who has won three championships but none since the 1995 season, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017.
Kraft, perplexed by this discrepancy, voiced his frustration: “He hasn’t been to the NFC title game in two decades, and he gets in? How does that work?” he remarked to a confidant, according to a recent story.
The tension between Kraft and Jones was also evident in 2022 when they clashed over the approval of a new contract for Commissioner Roger Goodell. During that meeting, Jones reportedly told Kraft, “Don’t f*** with me!”
Reports reveal that the 12-person subcommittees responsible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame ballot have never even forwarded Robert Kraft’s name to the full 50 selectors for consideration.
Kraft’s achievements as an owner include negotiating the end of the 2011 lockout and chairing the committee that recently secured $110 billion in TV rights. In contrast, Jerry Jones has earned a reputation as the NFL’s top marketer, playing a key role in the blockbuster move to Fox in 1994 and spearheading efforts for teams to strike their own endorsement deals with major brands like Miller Lite, Pepsi, and Nike.
Critics of Robert Kraft’s Hall of Fame candidacy often cite several scandals, including the Patriots’ “Spygate” and “Deflategate,” as well as Kraft’s own high-profile incident at a Florida massage parlor.
According to reports, “Spygate” is viewed as a significant barrier to Kraft’s enshrinement in Canton.
“Some voters believe he was involved in the biggest cheating scandal in NFL history,” a seasoned Hall of Fame voter commented. “That’s a very tough one to overcome.”
Since 2000, only five team owners have been inducted into the Hall of Fame: Jerry Jones, Dan Rooney of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Ralph Wilson of the Buffalo Bills, Eddie DeBartolo of the San Francisco 49ers, and Pat Bowlen of the Denver Broncos.
Why is Jerry Jones in the Hall of Fame?
Jerry Jones’ induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017 was a testament to his significant impact on the NFL. As the owner and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys, Jones revitalized a struggling franchise, leading them to three Super Bowl victories in the 1990s.
His innovative business practices, including groundbreaking marketing strategies and lucrative television deals, revolutionized the way the NFL operates. Jones’ influence extends beyond the Cowboys, as he has been a driving force in shaping the league’s policies and direction. His induction recognizes his contributions to the sport and solidifies his place among the NFL’s most influential figures.
