stevedogc
Third String But Playing on Special Teams
- Joined
- Apr 15, 2005
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after he signs his deal the first thing he did was to give money to the Myra Kraft Giving Back Fund.
New England Patriots Blog - ESPN Boston
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Upon signing his five-year contract extension on Monday, Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez made a charitable gesture that Kraft appreciated in remarks Monday evening at the team's annual charitable foundation gala.
"One of the touching moments since I've known the team -- knowing that this is our charitable gala tonight -- Aaron came into my office, a little teary-eyed and presented me with a check for $50,000 to go to Myra Kraft Giving Back Fund," Kraft said. "I said 'Aaron, you don't have to do this, you've already got your contract.' And he said 'No, it makes me feel good and I want to do it.'
Hernandez joins fellow tight end Rob Gronkowski in signing long-term contract extensions this offseason. Both were drafted in 2010; Gronkowski in the second round, and Hernandez in the fourth round.
"We're privileged to have two of the best young players on this team we know are going to be here for quite some time," Kraft said. "We know that both players had issues coming out, so where we drafted them was not indicative of good they really were, and I think both of them have really shined here."
To Kraft, Hernandez's donation reflected the organization's desire to have players give back after receiving financial security by playing in the NFL.
"That made me feel good because part of the thing that we learned early on is that we have a lot of young men who come into this business, and they come from humble financial homes, and part of what we try to do is make them understand is that there is a psychic income involved in giving back both your time and your financial resources, if you can do that," he said.
"And I sensed that he was touched in doing that. We didn't request it, it's something that he decided. And to flip the switch from living modesty to all of the sudden having a lot of income, I think we have to work real hard to help our young men adjust to that."
Kraft admitted that the first impression of Hernandez may not reflect the tight end's true character.
"I just think he's a super player, and really a first-class guy," Kraft said. "Some people might see all the tattoos on him and think. ...Maybe ten years ago I was in that class, (now) I think 'Wow, this guy's a good guy.' And we made a big commitment to him."
New England Patriots Blog - ESPN Boston
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Upon signing his five-year contract extension on Monday, Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez made a charitable gesture that Kraft appreciated in remarks Monday evening at the team's annual charitable foundation gala.
"One of the touching moments since I've known the team -- knowing that this is our charitable gala tonight -- Aaron came into my office, a little teary-eyed and presented me with a check for $50,000 to go to Myra Kraft Giving Back Fund," Kraft said. "I said 'Aaron, you don't have to do this, you've already got your contract.' And he said 'No, it makes me feel good and I want to do it.'
Hernandez joins fellow tight end Rob Gronkowski in signing long-term contract extensions this offseason. Both were drafted in 2010; Gronkowski in the second round, and Hernandez in the fourth round.
"We're privileged to have two of the best young players on this team we know are going to be here for quite some time," Kraft said. "We know that both players had issues coming out, so where we drafted them was not indicative of good they really were, and I think both of them have really shined here."
To Kraft, Hernandez's donation reflected the organization's desire to have players give back after receiving financial security by playing in the NFL.
"That made me feel good because part of the thing that we learned early on is that we have a lot of young men who come into this business, and they come from humble financial homes, and part of what we try to do is make them understand is that there is a psychic income involved in giving back both your time and your financial resources, if you can do that," he said.
"And I sensed that he was touched in doing that. We didn't request it, it's something that he decided. And to flip the switch from living modesty to all of the sudden having a lot of income, I think we have to work real hard to help our young men adjust to that."
Kraft admitted that the first impression of Hernandez may not reflect the tight end's true character.
"I just think he's a super player, and really a first-class guy," Kraft said. "Some people might see all the tattoos on him and think. ...Maybe ten years ago I was in that class, (now) I think 'Wow, this guy's a good guy.' And we made a big commitment to him."
. He's on cloud nine. Good for him. Now play boy, PLAY!!!!!
