FOXBORO — Before the Patriots took the field for their first training camp practice of the Mike Vrabel era, Robert Kraft expressed his optimism for the upcoming season.

“Look, after my family, the most important thing for me is this team winning football games, and it was really tough (the past few years),” the Patriots owner said in a brief news conference Wednesday morning. “So, it’s my job to do whatever I can to help that happen. I feel good about the foundation of what we have now, and now we’ve got to go execute and make it happen.”

Kraft purchased the franchise in 1994, and the last two seasons were the worst of his ownership tenure — 4-13 under Bill Belichick in 2023 and 4-13 under Jerod Mayo in 2024. He’s hoping Vrabel, a more experienced coaching staff and a revamped roster can return New England to relevance.

“I dreamt about owning the team and trying to create something special,” Kraft said, reiterating his oft-told story about being a Patriots season-ticket holder long before he owned the team, “and except for the last two years, I think we’ve done pretty well. Really, I’m so excited for today and hopefully start a new chapter of our team doing that.”

Asked what it’s been like having Vrabel back in New England as head coach, Kraft recalled “duking it out” with the former Patriots linebacker when Vrabel was the team’s NFLPA representative. Vrabel, Kraft said, could be “a little bit tough,” especially when he was arguing that revenue from businesses at the newly constructed Patriot Place should be shared with the union.

“Now I hope, now that we have totally aligned interests, that he can bring that same spirit and energy,” Kraft said. “Look, he won three Super Bowls with us, and he’s had the experience of coaching, and I think did a very good job down in Tennessee. So I’m looking forward to it. We’ve been able to bring in a group of young free agents, and I like our draft, and some real veterans that I think hopefully can make it happen.

“I know everyone in my family says, ‘Calm down, Dad,’ but…”

Originally Published: July 23, 2025 at 10:58 AM EDT