Robert Kraft Patriots Munich game and antisemitism, Digi Mart USA News (Munich, Germany): New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft told BILD ahead of the team’s Sunday game against the Detroit Lions in Munich that the return to Germany after three years feels like coming home. He credited loyal German fans who have supported the team through good and difficult times.
Kraft said the team is returning with a new roster, Mike Vrabel as head coach and young quarterback Drake Maye, who led the Patriots to the Super Bowl last season. He said the goal is to play better for German fans than in 2023 and to win the game in Munich.
Kraft recalled that German fans’ support grew over years, and cited the Patriots’ 2023 march in Frankfurt, where thousands of fans followed a band through the streets. He also described his 2009 draft of German offensive lineman Sebastian Vollmer as a moment that connected the club with Germany.
On the league’s schedule, Kraft said he supports expanding the regular season to 18 games and shortening the preseason, while stressing that players must be involved in decisions and that their health and post-career support must be prioritised. He said the NFL is playing nine games outside the United States this season and that Munich games are confirmed for 2026 and 2028, with Berlin games for 2027 and 2029.
Asked about antisemitism, Kraft said he is concerned that America today increasingly resembles Germany in the 1930s and that he does not want it to resemble the 1940s. He said hatred threatens the dignity and safety of everyone and pointed to his organisation’s Blue Square campaign and the Blue Square Alliance Against Hate, which he founded after the 2017 Charlottesville rally and the 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue attack.
Kraft also commented on the Left Party’s recent election win in Berlin and allegations of antisemitism involving members and parts of the party. He said he would not tell Berliners how to vote, but that antisemitism is hatred and that commitments by Berlin parties to protect Jewish life and Israel’s right to exist must be put into practice.
