Myra Kraft

Don't underestimate the death of Myra Kraft as a motivator for THE PATS today.
I think the Kraft family relationship with the team is unique in the world of sports. Most professional team owners are rich guys for whom the team is a toy, a hobby, an investment, a product.
I think Robert Kraft is very far away from that. I think he is a genuine human being who cares about his players and I think they know it. There certainly appears to be a bond between him and the players when he talks to them. He doesn't come across as a phony rich guy and I don't think he is. For Christ sake, he went from being a season ticket holder when THE PATS sucked, to owning the team and making it possible to win three championships with yet another shot at a fourth.
During the strike negotiations this summer he was a key figure in getting the deal done, and that fact was recognized by owners and players.
I believe there is genuine love and respect flowing both ways within THE PATS organization.
It was there between Myra and the players as well. So many comments when she died from the players talking about what an extraordinary woman she was. The love and respect was deep and heartfelt.
And if it gets tough today, if it is close at the end and THE PATS need to put everything on the line, I can hear Tom Brady telling his teammates to do it for Mr. Kraft. For a man  who lost his wife of  48 years during a difficult year for the sport and manged to handle his loss with dignity while continuing to work for the good of the sport and the good of his team. And if Brady speaks those words he will mean them sincerely and they will touch the hearts of his teammates.
When THE PATS win today, look for the warm hugs between Belichick and Kraft, Brady and Kraft and others.
Please take note. He is the representative of a dying breed. Wealthy team owners who love the sport and respect their players and coaches. A team owner with a heart.