Here’s what New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and his wife, Dana, had to say as they spoke to the reporters on Saturday, July 25, 2026.
On how he’s doing:
RK: “We’re doing great because when we have Pawtriots Day, we know it’s the start of the season. I haven’t— I’m so excited about this year. So very proud of my bride, what she’s organized here.”
To Dana Kraft: Year number 2 of this event. How much fun is this year as you go?
DK: “It’s great. We’re very excited when you see 50 dogs that could find homes. It’s sort of the start of a new beginning for a lot of families, and we’re just so thankful for everyone who’s here, whether they’re here to adopt or foster or volunteer or just to learn about our partner organizations. We’re so thrilled that everyone could be here, and we’re hoping to give these dogs all a second chance and families a chance to adopt a dog that provides unconditional love and joy for their house.”
On seeing the Patriots players give away the dogs.
DK: “It’s awesome.It’s so— to see these big guys with the little dogs is so much fun. Yeah.
On when she thought of it last year, if it’s exceeded the expectations:
DK: “It’s totally exceeded it, and it’s driven by the fans being so enthusiastic about it and people really kind of from all walks of life coming together to support it. So we’re really grateful for that.”
Robert, the fans, they’re jammed here and here today. There’s excitement after what happened last year. How excited are you to get this thing going?
RK: “I’ve been waiting, uh, all year. I think we had a great offseason, but excuse me, we have to execute on the field. But I know the excitement in the locker room. So we’ll see what happens when we go out to Seattle.”
And to see the fans:
RK: “It’s tremendous.”
On bringing AJ Brown, how excited he was to bring him into the fold and get a receiver of his caliber in the room:
RK: “Yeah, we worked hard at that, and we’re excited about the potential, but we have that whole wide receiver room is pretty full. I know Drake [Maye] is excited.”
On the fact he’s been working hard with Christian Gonzalez. Any thoughts on that entering camp?
RK: “We love Christian Gonzalez. We love him as a player, as a person. That’s why we’ve made an offer to him that makes him the highest-paid player ever to play that position in the NFL. And coincidentally, it’s the highest contract in the Patriots franchise history. So we’re glad we drafted him, and he’s developed here, and we hope he will be with us for a long time.”
On whether he’s optimistic to get a deal done:
RK: “Well, we’re here to talk about the Pawtriots. I’m glad that 50 dogs who are homeless are going to have a nice home after this. And we’re making this awareness. I didn’t realize until we got our little Iceman 5 years ago the impact that dogs can have and the joy they bring, especially in a world where there’s so much internet and people isolated. Dogs really create that family togetherness. And so we need more of that in America today. So I’m very proud of Dana for setting this up.”
“And to all the players and to the coach for participating, and a special shout-out to Bryce and Bella Barringer, who are offsetting some of the adoption costs at all the shelters today. So People have really gone above and beyond. They did that on their own, so it’s really nice.”
“Well, we thank you all for being here, and let’s go!”
(EDITOR’S NOTE: This transcript was done based on the available footage and is subject to typographical errors. If you spot anything, please let me know in the comments below.)
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Ian Logue is a Seacoast native and owner and senior writer for PatsFans.com, an independent media site covering the New England Patriots and has been running this site in one form or another since 1997.
