BREAKING: Robert Kraft promises significant investment in Patriots facility after scathing NFLPA report card
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“I have to admit, I had no idea it was that bad,” said Kraft at the NFL annual meeting in Orlando, Florida. “We had a plan in place, and we’re going to act on it: we’re investing in a brand-new facility adjacent to ours, which has been discussed with the young leadership team. This building will cost over $50 million and will boast the most modern amenities.”
The NFLPA initiated its player survey last year, and the Patriots were already ranked poorly at that time. Unfortunately, there was no progress between 2022 and 2023; in fact, the situation worsened.
Only one grade saw an improvement over the year, with the training room’s grade going up from C- to C. However, the weight room and family treatment mentioned earlier plummeted to the lowest rankings after receiving D and C- grades in 2022, respectively.
As per the players’ union, Patriots players who took part in the survey expressed that they perceive the workout equipment quality as subpar and feel there is insufficient space. Furthermore, the Patriots are the sole team in the NFL whose players believe their facility is inferior to what they can access off-site.
Regarding family treatment, the Patriots are one of only four teams in the league that do not provide daycare services. Kraft acknowledged the need to address this issue as well.
“We need to rectify any shortcomings,” he remarked. “I wasn’t even aware of the daycare issue. This is something that can be fixed, and we are committed to doing so. The players are the lifeblood of the business, and I would be highly surprised if this situation doesn’t improve.”
On a different note, Robert Kraft received a D+ grade from his players, making him the sixth-lowest ranked among NFL owners. When questioned about his willingness to invest in the team’s facilities, Patriots players rated him a 6.9 out of 10.
The Kraft family invested $250 million in constructing a new scoreboard, lighthouse, entry plaza, and beer hall at Gillette Stadium not long ago. Presently, it seems that enhancements to the team facility are also on the horizon.
