Patriots chairman Robert Kraft finalist for Pro Football Hall of Fame contributor category
The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026, that New England Patriots chairman and CEO Robert Kraft advanced to the final five candidates in the Contributor category for the Class of 2027. Kraft was one of five individuals selected by the Hall’s Contributor Subcommittee following a series of reduction votes from an original field of 42 nominees. The subcommittee will meet virtually on Nov. 17 to discuss the finalists and select one candidate to advance for consideration by the full Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee. That decision would determine which nominee moves forward in the Class of 2027 process.
The other four finalists named by the Contributor Subcommittee are Ralph Hay, Virginia McCaskey, Doug Williams and John Wooten. Hay owned the Canton Bulldogs from 1918-22 and hosted the NFL’s formational meeting at his auto dealership. McCaskey served as principal owner of the Chicago Bears from 1983 until her death in 2025 at age 102. Williams was the first Black quarterback to win a Super Bowl and earn Super Bowl MVP honors for the 1987 season, and he has spent the past 13 seasons in the Washington Commanders’ front office, while Wooten played nine NFL seasons before working in scouting and player personnel and later becoming chair of the Fritz Pollard Alliance.
The full Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee is expected to determine the Class of 2027 in advance of Super Bowl LXI. The new class is scheduled to be announced during NFL Honors in February. Enshrinement ceremonies for the selected class are scheduled for next August in Canton, Ohio.
Kraft purchased the New England Patriots in 1994 and has overseen one of the most successful stretches in NFL history, with the team winning six Super Bowls and appearing in 11 conference championships during his ownership. He has served as a key member on several influential NFL owners committees throughout his tenure. The longtime chair of the NFL’s broadcast and media committees, he played a key role as the league transformed its media business and forged landmark partnerships.
NFL Sports Blog Take
Kraft’s advancement to the final five highlights the Hall of Fame’s Contributor category, which recognizes leadership and service to the game beyond on-field play. His ownership record with the Patriots and his long service on NFL owners committees form the core of his contributor case. He will be evaluated alongside nominees with distinct historical and social impacts, such as Doug Williams’ Super Bowl milestone and John Wooten’s work with the Fritz Pollard Alliance. The Contributor Subcommittee’s Nov. 17 decision will determine which nominee advances for full-committee consideration ahead of Super Bowl LXI.