Patriots Owner ROBERT KRAFT has been selected as the '12 winner of the George Halas Award, which is given to an "NFL player, coach, or staff member who overcomes the most adversity to succeed," according to Gary Dzen of the BOSTON GLOBE. Kraft is the first team owner and first member of the Patriots franchise to receive the honor, which is voted on by the Professional Football Writers of America. Kraft over the past calendar year "overcame the death of his wife," MYRA, and "played an instrumental role" in negotiating a new CBA (BOSTON.com, 6/18). Kraft will also be inducted in to the Columbia Univ. Athletics HOF. Kraft earned two letters in football during his time as a student there and received his bachelors degrees in history and economics from the university in ’63 (Columbia). In Boston, Jeff Howe writes Kraft has “gotten plenty used to success,” but yesterday’s announcements were “unique” (BOSTON HERALD, 6/19).
OTHER HONORS: The Covenant House Washington will honor Capitals and Wizards Owner TED LEONSIS at its “A Night of Broadway Stars” gala tomorrow in DC (THEGEORGETOWNDISH.com, 6/17)….Tigers and Red Wings Owner MIKE ILITCH will “be among the recipients of a prestigious Brown Bomber Jacket during ceremonies Thursday night at the Doubletree Hotel-Fort Shelby.” The award, named for “boxing legend JOE LOUIS, is given to individuals for their work in Metro Detroit” (DETROIT NEWS, 6/19).
