Patriots' Robert Kraft Among Finalists to Be Elected to Pro Football HOF as Contributor

For the second straight year, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft will have the chance to earn a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

On Wednesday, Kraft was announced as one of five contributor nominees for the Hall of Fame class of 2027, along with Ralph Hay, Virginia McCaskey, Doug Williams and John Wooten. Kraft was also a contributor finalist in the class of 2026, but he ultimately was not selected for entry.

The five finalists were selected from an original field of 42 nominees. Members of the Contributor Subcommittee will hold a virtual meeting on Nov. 17 to select one finalist to be considered by the full Selection Committee. Kraft was chosen as the contributor finalist last year before falling short.

The 50 voters each pick three of the five finalists among contributors, coaches and senior players who last appeared in a game in 2000 or earlier, with 40 votes required for one to three nominees to be inducted alongside three to five modern era players from a group of 15 finalists.

Last year, Kraft happened to be joined on the ballot by former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, but neither earned an induction. Roger Craig, Ken Anderson and L.C. Greenwood were the senior player finalists, with Craig getting the nod. The former running back was enshrined alongside quarterback Drew Brees, wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, linebacker Luke Kuechly and kicker Adam Vinatieri.

Kraft has overseen 11 Super Bowl appearances and six titles in his 31 seasons at the helm of the Patriots. He is also a key member of several NFL owners' committees. While his impact is unquestioned, it remains to be seen if voters make him a Hall of Famer this time around.