New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft was previously considered a favorite to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2025 as a contributor.
However, ESPN's Don Van Natta Jr. reported on Thursday that Kraft has been passed over for the 2025 Hall of Fame class.
Next year's class will instead include NFL co-founder and former Canton Bulldogs owner Ralph Hay.
Kraft purchased the Patriots back in 1994, and in the last 30 years, he built Gillette Stadium and saw the team win Six Super Bowls. He was also part of several key negotiations on the league and the owners' behalf.
New England's owner has been considered over the last 13 years, but this is the first time that he has been a finalist.
Three NFL owners have been inducted over the last 10 years - Eddie DeBartolo, Jerry Jones and Pat Bowlen. None have been inducted since 2018.
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