On This Date: 1994 – Robert Kraft Buys The New England Patriots

26 years later, his $172 million dollar investment is worth a reported $3.8 billion.

Okay, this season didn't exactly go as planned. Forget that there's a more than decent chance the face of the franchise might not return next year. A judge in the Aaron Hernandez case may have had to ask him what he did for a living, (really?) but we all know...KRAFT IS KING!

So, it was 26 years ago today when Robert made the 'impulse purchase' of an NFL franchise. In 1994, the New England Patriots were far from the dynasty they eventually became. Long suffering Patriots fans remember the 1990 season, right? ONE WIN. That's right, the team went 1-15. Ownership had changed multiple times, and the owner prior to Kraft, James Orthwein, wanted to ship the team out of New England to become the St Louis Stallions, according to Wikipedia. In steps Robert, who paid a then record $172 million for an NFL Franchise, breaking "everyone one of my financial rules."

A little strong arming kept the team in Massachusetts in 1998, and construction started on what is now known as Gillette Stadium, which opened in 2002. TBH, nothing against Hartford, but it just wouldn't have been the same if they moved.

26 years later, I'd say Robert Kraft over-delivered on his promise.