- New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft lives a lavish and extravagant life.
- The 77-year-old has more wealth than most can dream of and dates Ricki Noel Lander, an actress who is 38 years younger than him.
- In February 2019 – less than a month after the Patriots won Super Bowl LIII – Kraft was charged with soliciting prostitution at a Florida massage parlor that is allegedly tied to human trafficking.
- It’s clear that Kraft is a man of great influence, but his arrest could greatly impact his reputation and legacy in the sports world and beyond.
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft is one of the most active and famous owners in the NFL even at 77 years old.
Although Kraft remained heavily involved in the operations of the Patriots through their most recent Super Bowl victory, his charge of soliciting prostitution could alter his relationship with the franchise and with his 39-year-old girlfriend, Ricki Noel Lander.
Read more: Patriots owner Robert Kraft charged with 2 counts of soliciting prostitution
Lander – who is an actress, designer, and entrepreneur – is no stranger to scandal herself. She gave birth in 2017, at which point Kraft issued a statement denying that he is the child’s biological father. By all appearances, Kraft has still been heavily involved in the baby’s life.
Of course, as a billionaire sports owner, Kraft certainly has the means to do so. Here are some other ways he has put his money to use and lived his life.
Emmett Knowlton contributed to this post.
Kraft made his fortune in paper manufacturing.
Source: Forbes
He was a 23-year Patriots season ticket holder before buying the team.
Source: Patriots.com
He purchased the Patriots for $175 million in 1994.
Read more: Robert Kraft's gutsy $175 million investment in the New England Patriots has paid off big time
In 1988, Kraft purchased the Patriots stadium out of bankruptcy court.
Source: Patriots.com
Kraft was offered a lucrative buyout to allow the Patriots to terminate their lease with their stadium and move out of New England, but he refused, opting instead to buy the team.
Source: Patriots.com
The Patriots are currently valued at around $3.8 billion dollars, the second highest mark in the entire NFL.
Source: Forbes
It's undoubtedly been a worthwhile investment for Kraft. The team won Super Bowl LIII in February 2019, marking the sixth time the team has won under Kraft's ownership.
Source: ESPN
That same month, Kraft was arrested for soliciting prostitution at a Florida massage parlor that is allegedly tied to human trafficking.
Read more: Patriots owner Robert Kraft charged with 2 counts of soliciting prostitution
The police said there was video evidence of Kraft in relation to each of his two charges, but he vehemently denies the allegations.
Source: Tom Winter / Twitter
It remains unclear how the charges will impact the Patriots organization and Kraft's years-long relationship with 39-year-old actress Ricki Noel Lander
The duo began dating in 2012.
Read more: 72-year-old Patriots owner Robert Kraft showed up to the Celtics game with this 32-year-old actress
And ever since, they've frequently been spotted attending sporting events such as Celtics games and the U.S. Open.
Sources: Boston Globe, Business Insider
Kraft has tried to help promote his girlfriend's career by filming audition tapes with her.
Lander gave birth in 2017, but Kraft denies that he is the child's biological father. Still, Kraft reportedly bought her a mansion in L.A. and is heavily invested in the upbringing of the child.
Source: Sporting News
Before Lander came into his life, Kraft was married to his first wife, Myra, for over 40 years, until she passed away due to Ovarian cancer.
Source: ESPN
Kraft and his wife had four sons, three of whom remain heavily involved in his business.
Source: The Kraft Group
And he's had friendships with some pretty influential people.
Read more: After Robert Kraft's wife died Trump called every week for a year to console him
But he donated to Barack Obama's re-election campaign.
Read more: Check out how much your favorite NFL team has donated to politicians this year.
Kraft is good friends with rock star Jon Bon Jovi.
Source: Sports Illustrated
Kraft accidentally "gave" a Super Bowl ring to Vladimir Putin and still hasn't received it back.
Read more: Putin owns a Super Bowl ring thanks to a misunderstanding with Patriots owner Robert Kraft
Kraft has been to the Grammys and even hung out with Jay-Z and Kanye.
Sources: NESN, Sports Illustrated
Kraft showed off his latest Super Bowl ring to Snoop Dogg and Tracy Morgan at the NBA All-Star Game a few years ago.
Source: NESN
Kraft is a sneaker head and even got a custom pair made for him by Nike.
Source: Boston.com
He also has an interest in soccer, as he is the founder and owner of the New England Revolution, one of the 10 original MLS clubs.
Source: Revolutionsoccer.net
Kraft is the honorary chairman of the board for the bid committee for the joint North American bid for the 2026 World Cup.
Source: USSoccer.com
And he's "intrigued" at the idea of buying an English Premier League team.
Source: BBC
Additionally, Kraft owns an Overwatch team.
Read more: Patriots owner Robert Kraft reportedly bought a team in the upcoming Overwatch league.
It's clear that Kraft is a man of great influence, but his 2019 arrest could greatly impact his reputation and legacy in the sports world and beyond.
Now check out the life of Tiger Woods.
