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Patriots Owner Kraft Says Trump Has Been a 'Great' Friend to Him

February 5, 2017

Robert Kraft, owner of the AFC champion New England Patriots, sat down for an interview with Chris Wallace on "Fox News Sunday" before his team played in Super Bowl LI against the Atlanta Falcons. During the interview, Kraft discussed his "great" relationship with President Donald Trump at length.

Wallace asked whether the controversies surrounding Trump have become a distraction for the Patriots given the president's friendship with Kraft, head coach Bill Belichick, and quarterback Tom Brady.

"I believe in loyalty to friends, and the president has been a great friend of mine for over 20 years. And one of the most difficult times of my life he was there for me," Kraft explained, referencing the passing of his wife, Myra Kraft.

"He and Melania flew up to the funeral, and they came and visited me at the house for memorial week. And then he called me once a week every week for a year. 'How are you doing? What's going on? What are you doing?'" Kraft said. "And I was really, really down and he invited me to things."

For a year, Trump would call to check in, according to Kraft.

"He was one of five or six people in my life who really–I mean, the players in the locker room and of course my family were great, but he was one of few outside people who really paid attention and was a great help to me, so I will forever remember that," Kraft said.

Kraft also confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin has one of his Super Bowl rings. If the Patriots win on Sunday, Kraft said maybe he could have a new ring made for Putin, which could be delivered by President Trump.