New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft will miss the Hall of Fame induction ceremony for former tight end Rob Gronkowski after undergoing back surgery, the team announced Thursday.
The ceremony, scheduled for November 5, 2026, will honor Gronkowski's career with the Patriots, where he won three Super Bowls and set numerous records at the tight end position.
Kraft, who has owned the franchise since 1994, was expected to speak at the event but will be recovering from the procedure. The Patriots organization said Kraft is expected to make a full recovery.
Gronkowski, who retired after the 2021 season, is considered one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history. His induction marks the first time a Patriots player has been enshrined in the team's Hall of Fame since 2018.
