NFL comments on Myra Kraft

[ctpatsfan77]

I figured we should have a separate thread for reactions from the Patriots and other folks in the NFL.

First off, the NFL did the right thing here:

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello told NESN.com on Wednesday that the Patriots' players are permitted to contact owner Robert Kraft to offer their condolences over the passing of his wife, Myra Kraft, who succumbed to her battle with cancer.

During the lockout, players are not allowed to contact team personnel unless given special permission, although the NFL does permit certain social encounters. For instance, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was able to attend quarterback Tony Romo's wedding earlier in the lockout.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Heath Evans, on Twitter:

We have lost 1 of the greatest women I know & hands down the finest in all of sports w/ the passing of Mrs. Myra Kraft. God rest her soul!

What made Myra Kraft special? Strong but Tender-hearted/Proud but Humble/Bold but Soft-Spoken/ Extremely blessed but lived to be a Blessing

I'll never forget the first day Beth met Myra. She came home w/ so much joy on her face b/c of how special Myra made her feel. #AMAZINGWOMEN

I remember crossing the super dome field wk10 2009 Saints/Pats 2 be greeted by Myra & her asking "by name," how is Beth, Ava, & Naomi?

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Mike Reiss, on ESPN.com:

There was the day at training camp in Smithfield, R.I., when the Patriots trained at Bryant College, and Myra was walking through campus with all the 200- and 300-pound players, thinking "they all look so tough." Then she spotted [Troy] Brown, in a reflective moment, feeding some of the fish by the water.

Brown became one of her favorite players after that, and the connection with players grew stronger in the years to come.

. . .

Defensive lineman Vince Wilfork called her "momma" and a "wonderful woman."

. . .

Every Patriots player has a clause in their contract to take part in 10 charitable events per year, and the Patriots Charitable Foundation seemed to grow each year, helping more in need as times became more challenging.

 

[patfanken]

Here is a link to a times article on Myra back in 2007. Read it and you will realize that she was a WHOLE lot more than just Bob Kraft's wife......a whole lot.

Giving large: The philanthropist Myra Kraft forges a new form of engaged giving - The New York Times

Speaking of a whole lot, Myra Kraft will be missed by a "whole lot" of people who don't know or care about the NE Patriots. We should all have one tenth of a fruitful PRODUCTIVE life as she had.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Dane Fletcher, on Twitter:

RIP Myra Kraft... Thoughts & prayers go out to Mr. Kraft and the Kraft family, she was a very unique & special person!

 

[TealSox]

Peter Gammons (former Boston Globe and ESPN reporter) -- "Be they hairdressers, friends, just folks, the people Myra touched, helped and educated their children is beyond calculation. ... One of the finest, most philanthropic, kind and civilized persons I have ever known."

Reactions to Myra Kraft's passing - New England Patriots Blog - ESPN Boston

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Lawyer Milloy, on Twitter:

"I'm truly heartbroken today. Myra Kraft has passed away. With my Brisk departure from #Boston, she is the one person that I regret not saying goodbye too. As a young player/man she was a gr8 example of how a woman stands beside, not behind, a man of power! I never got a chance to say thanks 4 that lasting impression. R.I.P. You will be missed."

 

[Triumph]

STATEMENT FROM PATRIOTS HEAD COACH BILL BELICHICK

"On behalf of the entire Patriots football operation, we mourn the passing of Myra Kraft. As much support as her quiet but unmistakable presence provided us in the competitive arena and as much as I personally will miss her warm embraces before and after each game, Myra shined brightest in a much broader arena. In the humanitarian arena, her generosity through philanthropy was admired and appreciated by all. She made a permanent impression on hundreds of coaches, players, staff and our families as a model of grace, strength and giving. Myra's vision and example will impact and remain very much with our team forever."

 

[ctpatsfan77]

This is from Peter King, talking about Jonathan Kraft's eulogy:

At least 10 people who were at the Myra Kraft funeral service Friday said Jonathan Kraft -- son of Robert and Myra, president of the Patriots -- gave one of the most memorable eulogies they'd ever heard. How about this part of it.

On a trip to South Africa when apartheid still was the law of the land, Jonathan and his mom saw some blacks being arrested in Johannesburg for not having the proper documentation. Myra Kraft told a police officer: "I don't have the proper documentation. Arrest me too.'' She held out her hands to be handcuffed and demanded to be arrested. Jonathan, in college at the time, literally picked up his diminutive mother and took her away from the scene. "She was beating me on the back of the head,'' he said, wanting to be put down so she could go back.

Read more: NFL owners and players nearing an end to lockout and labor dispute in time for full 2011 NFL schedule* - Peter King - SI.com