Robert Kraft named Semifinalist for Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025

On Wednesday, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft moved one step closer to potential induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Kraft was announced as one of nine Semifinalists in the Contributor category, putting him one step away from appearing on the full ballot that will decide this year's class.

For Kraft, this is not his first time getting to this stage of the voting. The 83-year-old was reached the finalist round before, most recently last year. He ended up falling short, with former Detroit Lions coach Buddy Parker getting the nod.

Kraft is trying to become just the sixth owner since 2000 to receive a gold jacket. The most recent was former Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen in 2019.

Under the new selection format, the path for non-players and coaches for enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame comes through the Contributor category, with the Contributor Blue-Ribbon Committee running that process. They began this year with a list of 47 nominees, which was trimmed down to 25 earlier this month.

This time, the list was trimmed from 25 individuals to nine. From those nine, one will be chosen as the Contributor Committee Finalist. That vote will take place on Nov. 12, and the winner and appear on the ballot along with the Modern-Era Player finalists, Seniors finalist, and Coaching finalist. The full class will then be announced Super Bowl weekend.

Kraft isn't the only one representing the Patriots at this stage - former GM Frank 'Bucko' Kilroy, who was also one of the founders of the modern NFL Scouting Combine - is among the group as well. Here's a look at all nine semifinalists, via the Pro Football Hall of Fame website...

K.S. “Bud” Adams: During his 54 years as founder, owner, Chairman of the Board, president and CEO of the Titans/Oilers franchise, Adams was a pivotal figure in the formation of the AFL and its merger with the NFL.

Ralph Hay: Owned the Canton Bulldogs from 1918-1922 and hosted the NFL’s formational meeting in his automobile dealership in downtown Canton.

Frank “Bucko” Kilroy: Worked in player personnel and scouting for the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys. He was the Patriots’ general manager from 1979 to 1982 and vice president from 1983 to 1993.

Robert Kraft: Owner, chairman and CEO of the New England Patriots since 1994. His teams have won six Super Bowls. Key member of several influential NFL owners’ committees.

Art Modell: Owner of the Cleveland Browns from 1961-1995 and Baltimore Ravens from 1996-2011. Key figure in transformational broadcast deals between NFL and networks.

Art Rooney Jr.: Employed with the Steelers since 1961, from 1964 through 1986, worked in the Steelers’ Scouting Department. Currently a Steelers vice president and member of the Board of Directors.

Seymour Siwoff: Owner and president of Elias Sports Bureau, the official statisticians of the NFL, from 1952-2019.

Doug Williams: Career with Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1978-1982) and Washington Redskins (1986-89) included historic moment as first Black quarterback to start and win a Super Bowl (XXII) with an MVP performance; credited with creating opportunities for future Black athletes.

John Wooten: Director of pro scouting for the Dallas Cowboys from 1975 to 1991. Created player development programs for the NFL in 1991. Vice president/player personnel for the Philadelphia Eagles in 1992 and assistant director of pro/college scouting for the Baltimore Ravens until his retirement in 2002. In 2003, became chairman of the Fritz Pollard Alliance, a position he held until 2019.