Robert Kraft recently reflected on one of his boldest and most defining moves as owner of the New England Patriots: acquiring Bill Belichick. Speaking on a popular podcast, Kraft named his decision to bring Belichick aboard—the trade that sent a first‑round draft pick to the Jets in 1999—as the best career move he’s ever made, even over drafting Tom Brady. He recalled the backlash at the time, saying, “I gave up a number one draft pick for a coach who had only won a little over 40% of his games … I got hammered in the Boston media,” yet emphasized the undeniable long-term payoff .
Kraft’s praise speaks volumes given how rare it is for him to publicly commend Belichick since their split. He acknowledged that choosing Belichick over Brady—who would later become a six-time Super Bowl champion—might seem counterintuitive, but reinforced that coaching stability and strategic leadership laid the foundation for the dynasty that followed . Positioned in hindsight, this decision appears prescient.
Even after parting ways in early 2024, Kraft’s respect for Belichick has not waned. Though he has not often commented positively in recent years, one news outlet noted it was a “rare” moment when Kraft openly acknowledged Belichick’s positive impact on the franchise . That little piece of recognition is telling, coming from a man who didn’t shy away from the tough decision to move on.
Looking back, Kraft credits Belichick’s steady hand for transforming a middling franchise into a dynasty. Under Belichick’s leadership, the Patriots won six Super Bowls in nine appearances over 24 seasons. Kraft views that era as the payoff for taking a risk most would have found unthinkable at the time—especially against the backdrop of early criticism .
The personal element also resonated deeply with Kraft. He acknowledged the emotional weight of the choice, noting the sacrifice of a top draft pick and the scrutiny that followed. But he said he never doubted it was the right call in the long run. That long-term thinking, he suggested, typifies the strategy that built the Patriots’ sustained excellence .
Moreover, Kraft’s statement offers a glimpse into his approach as an owner: bold, loyal, and willing to weather short-term backlash for sustained success. By explicitly framing Belichick as the franchise’s all-time best decision, Kraft made clear that while legends like Brady might shine brightest, it was the coach who steered the ship that mattered most.
