Kraft told ESPN.<\/a><\/p>\nThe 85-year-old owner will also miss Sunday\u2019s home game against the Packers and next week\u2019s trip to play the Lions in Munich. It\u2019s unknown if Kraft will be present for games later this season.<\/p>\n
In his conversation with ESPN, Kraft took a moment to reflect on Gronkowski\u2019s years in New England from 2010-18. The former All-Pro won three Super Bowls with the Patriots and set several franchise records, despite undergoing several surgeries, including a few back operations. The Patriots will also honor Gronkowski at halftime of Sunday\u2019s game.<\/p>\n
\u201cI always told Gronk that in my next life, I wanted to come back as him because I had never seen him have a bad day. But after a couple of back surgeries, I take that back,\u201d Kraft joked to ESPN. \u201cI never want to experience that again.\u201d<\/p>\n
He continued: \u201cI just love Gronk. One of my greatest moments of love and affection for him was draft day, celebrating on the stage with his dad and brothers. It personified who he is,\u201d Kraft said. \u201cHe became a fan favorite almost immediately and remained the standard at tight end for nearly a decade.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
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