Even though the Patriots have failed to qualify for playoffs in the last three years, New England remains one of the most successful franchises in the last two decades. Yes, Tom Brady and Bill Belichick were crucial to those multiple Super Bowls. But behind the scenes, it was the Pats owner Robert Kraft, who was the mastermind behind changing the fate of a “nearly broke” franchise. “It all started by me taking a risk similar to what I did with the Patriots. I did something that a lot of people told me I shouldn’t do, and it was foolhardy, but my instincts told me it was the right thing,” Kraft said about his pursuit of the Pats. The post-Tom Brady era, for the New England Patriots, has been a prolonged existential crisis. It’s been a difficult time—four losing seasons, three head coaches, and no postseason victories. Kraft, however, is prepared to start over since he is always optimistic, even if it comes to outlining the succession plan this time.

“First of all, I think I’m 35… I was a little kid sitting on those benches dreaming about owning this team and bringing a winning culture here,” Robert Kraft said. The quintessential billionaire move. Despite owning a $7 billion team and six Super Bowl rings, he still thinks he’s a 35-year-old fanboy daydreaming in the stands. But hey, that’s Kraft. Business comes second, passion first, but in his playbook, the two are inseparably linked.

Even at 83, Kraft is not ready to give up just yet as the Pats’ CEO is still excited about if 2025 has something good for the Pats. And when asked about what he would consider a successful season in 2025, the 83-year-old was quick with his response, saying, “If we make the playoffs.”But beyond just the upcoming season, the longtime owner also addressed one of the biggest lingering questions—who will take over as the Patriots’ CEO when the time comes?

Patriots chairman and CEO Robert Kraft spoke on the team’s future during the 2025 NFL annual league meetings in a way that was both strategic and nostalgic. “After my family, this team and our foundation to combat hate and antisemitism—those are my priorities,” he said. But what about the crucial issue of succession? “Succession is there,” assured Kraft. “I have my eldest son, John, who has been a full partner in everything I do. He’s been part of every key decision for over 30 years, but he prefers to stay out of the spotlight. We have a plan in place for all of our businesses.”

Kraft recognized the need to strike a balance between new ideas and experience. “Sometimes, with age, you gain experience, but let’s see what happens this year, let’s see what happens over the next two to three years.” Translation: There won’t be any Shakespearean drama, but the torch will pass. It’s the Patriots, not Succession, and Kraft Sr. still has a few plays to call.

However, succession plans are one thing—stepping away is another. So, is Kraft really ready to take a backseat?

Succession’s in place, but is Robert Kraft really letting go?

Kraft might be toying with the notion of taking over, but retirement? For now, that’s a hard pass. Kraft didn’t mince words when asked what the Patriots would consider success in 2025: “If we make the playoffs.”

It seems like a realistic objective—until you consider that the Pats just fired their second head coach in as many years and finished 4-13 the previous season. But another rebuild that drags on forever is not what Kraft is here for. Now, he is here to win. This explains why Mike Vrabel was brought in at record speed and why Jerod Mayo, Belichick’s hand-picked successor, received a one-and-done treatment.

In order to breathe new life into a stale offense, Vrabel also wasted no time in blowing cash in free agency and acquiring Stefon Diggs. The pressure to make every move matter is on as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches. Additionally, Kraft is aware of the stakes despite his upbeat attitude. “I hope that we’re never draughting fourth again,” he stated.

The man isn’t being playful. The past two seasons? As stated by Robert Kraft, “The worst two years of our ownership.” The future? A measured run for atonement. For Kraft, this is a personal matter as much as a football one. “After my family, this team is the most important thing in my life. And the bottom line is winning games.” Brutal honesty from a man who has witnessed droughts and dynasties.

It is now up to Vrabel and his redesigned Patriots to support their owner’s faith. Because excuses don’t work in New England, and patience grows thin. It’s possible that Robert Kraft still feels his age, but the Patriots? They must now begin to win.