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Honing His Kraft: Patriots Owner
Lauded For Team’s Transformation |
SI’s Michael Silver profiles Patriots Owner ROBERT KRAFT and Eagles Owner JEFFREY LURIE, noting that each “transformed a second-rate organization into a model of professional sports excellence.” Kraft is from Brookline, Massachusetts, while Lurie is from nearby Newton, and both submitted bids to buy the Patriots from JAMES ORTHWEIN in July ’93. Kraft bought the team for $172M, which at the time was the largest amount paid for an NFL franchise, until Lurie paid $185M to buy the Eagles from NORMAN BRAMAN in May ’94. Lurie: “We’re both high-revenue clubs because we’ve taken such big risks. I think the key for Robert and me was that we looked at the franchises we were buying and said, ‘Why couldn’t these teams be like the 49ers of the ‘80s and ‘90s?’” (SI, 2/7 issue). On HBO’s “Inside the NFL” last night, HBO’s Cris Collinsworth asked Kraft, “How many people told you you were out of your mind before you actually signed on to buy the team?” Kraft: “Quite a few, but in life the greatest deals you do are not looking at the cash flows and not listening to the consultants but following your instincts and what feels right to you. Part of that is having the stomach to take the risk (and) go through the tough times that you have to go through, because this business is pretty tough and in many ways it can be cruel and unforgiving when you lose” (“Inside the NFL,” HBO, 2/2).
DETROIT: In Detroit, John Gallagher notes the Detroit Super Bowl Host Committee yesterday held a party aboard Chair ROGER PENSKE’s yacht, DETROIT EAGLE. Detroit Mayor KWAME KILPATRICK attended, along with current and former Detroit athletes and coaches STEVE YZERMAN, STEVE MARIUCCI, GORDIE HOWE, KIRK GIBSON, IVAN RODRIGUEZ, BARRY SANDERS, ROBERT PORCHER and DAVE BING (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 2/3).
NAMES: In Cleveland, Mary Kay Cabot reports the BROWNS are donating 50 Super Bowl tickets to U.S. Marines who have just returned from Iraq and Afghanistan or are about to be deployed there as part of the team’s Hats off to Heroes program. Late Browns Owner AL LERNER was a former Marine (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 2/3)....In Boston, gossip columnists Fee & Raposa report actor MICHAEL DOUGLAS will introduce a salute to World War II veterans during the Super Bowl pre-game show (BOSTON HERALD, 2/3).
