Back surgery will keep Robert Kraft from Rob Gronkowski's Patriots Hall of Fame induction

Patriots owner Robert Kraft recently underwent back surgery, leading to his mandatory absence from activities including Rob Gronkowski's induction into the Patriots Hall of Fame on Saturday. The 85-year-old, who spoke about his ordeal to ESPN on Thursday, expressed his disappointment at missing the ceremony. Doctors have instructed Kraft to refrain from any physical exertion, which means he will also miss the Patriots' game against the Packers on Sunday, as well as a Week 10 match against the Lions.

Fans had voted Gronkowski into the Hall of Fame during his first eligibility year in April. Understanding Kraft's situation, the owner explained that Gronkowski had once jokingly wished to be in his place, noting he had never witnessed such a flawless day in Gronkowski's career. However, after experiencing multiple back surgeries himself, Kraft vowed he would never want to endure such pain again.