Colts' Saturday pays tribute to Krafts
NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith looks on at left as New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, second from right, is hugged by Jeff Saturday of the Indianapolis Colt during a news conference at the NFL Players Association in Washington. (July 25, 2011) Credit: AP
WASHINGTON -- Throughout the negotiations between the NFL and the players, Patriots owner Robert Kraft never let on that he was dealing with his wife's illness. Not until Myra Kraft died of cancer on Wednesday did the family issue become widely known.
Colts center Jeff Saturday, a member of the players' negotiating team, delivered an emotional tribute to the Krafts Monday after the players agreed to settle an antitrust lawsuit and pave the way toward a new 10-year CBA.
"A special thanks to Myra Kraft, who even in her weakest moment allowed Mr. Kraft to come and fight this out," Saturday said at a news conference, with Kraft standing alongside him outside the NFLPA's headquarters. Kraft's eyes moistened as Saturday spoke.
"Without him, this deal does not get done. I don't want to be [dramatic] in any way, but he is a man who helped us save football, and we are so [grateful] for that. We're [grateful] for his family and for the opportunity he presented to get this deal done. Thank you very much. We really appreciate it."
After he spoke, Saturday embraced Kraft, and the two hugged for several seconds. Kraft left shortly afterward to return to Boston, where he continues to sit shiva for his wife.
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