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Patriots remember Myra H. Kraft

Current and former Patriots reflect on the passing of Myra H. Kraft.

DEION BRANCH
First, I would like to say the world and the Patriots organization is deeply sadden by the loss of Mrs. Myra Kraft. Not only was she a staple in the Patriots organization, but she was also a great leader in our community and around the world. Mrs. Kraft's PASSION and PRESENCE will truly be missed.

BENJARVUS GREEN-ELLIS
First I would like to extend my prayers and sincere condolences to the Kraft family during this difficult time. Mrs Kraft was a wonderful, kind, gentle and warm-spirited lady. Even though she was battling cancer she still found time to give back to the community (a true philanthropist) and the Patriots players. She had this way of making you feel special.

KEVIN FAULK
Ms. Myra was such a special person to me and my family. She was just so willing to help with her time and generosity. Her influence went beyond the football industry to everyone she came across. It is a sad day. It is a sad day to be a Patriot and a sad day in Massachusetts and beyond. She gave so much to this community and this area. She meant so much to the sporting world and to all of the charitable causes she worked so tirelessly for. She had such a huge influence on shaping people to work hard for their communities and work to make a difference.

VINCE WILFORK
Myra was a wonderful woman. My wife and I cared about her deeply. It goes beyond football. It goes to what matters in life, being able to build relationships and make a difference. Mr Kraft and I spoke a lot over the years about "Momma" and I hurt for him as I know the love he has for her. I will miss her giving me a hug and kiss before every game, but in my heart she will be there.

MATT LIGHT
To be honest, this was shocking news. I never saw it coming. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I know how much of an influence she had shaping that locker room and the type of guys we had in there. That came from her. I always admired all her work in the community and within the team. She really created a family atmosphere. This news is a little overwhelming to tell you the truth.  Day to day, we'd obviously see Robert and Jonathan a lot more. But on the things that mattered the most, the Kickoff Gala, special events, seasonal events, she was always there. When I arrived in 2001, I remember going through those offices in downtown Boston. After all the handshakes were done, it became clear, 'Here's what we're all about.' It was really her way of doing things. It trickled down from her.

JEROD MAYO
I am extremely saddened with the passing of Myra Kraft. Mrs. Kraft has been a mainstay in the community and the Patriots family. Her giving spirit along with her countless random acts of kindness and philanthropy will continue to be a legacy to be remembered.

WES WELKER
This is a very sad day for the New England Patriot family. Mrs. Kraft was such a loving and generous woman. She was always there to greet us with a smile, whether we won or lost. She will be deeply missed by the whole New England community.  My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Kraft and his entire family.

TY WARREN
Mrs. Kraft was absolutely a wonderful, genuine, strong and caring lady, who was as in tune with the affairs of the Patriots organization - not only behind the doors of the organization, but beyond those doors. I will always remember her for going above and beyond to know the players and their wives. She was the biggest fan in and outside the building. I see her in my mind right now standing up in the Kraft box cheering harder and louder than anyone else in that box. She, I think, is a very big reason why the Patriot organization is a family type setting. She will be greatly missed by my wife, Kesha, and I. We send out warmest regards to the entire Kraft family.

TROY BROWN
My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Kraft and the entire Kraft family. We have lost a beautiful and kind person who has helped many with all her charitable works. I remember fondly the first time I met her at my second training camp. She stopped by to say a few kind words of encouragement and a special relationship grew from there. She may have been small in stature but she had the biggest heart. We are all better people for having known her. My deepest sympathies.

HEATH EVANS
What made Myra Kraft special? Strong but Tender-hearted. Proud, but Humble. Bold, but Soft-Spoken. Extremely blessed, but lived to be a Blessing.

DREW BLEDSOE
The best thing I can say about Mrs. Kraft is that she inspired people around her, including me, to be better people due to the way she lived and conducted her own life. To be around her would simply make you feel like a better person. She embraced me and my wife and made us feel like one of her own. We were living far away from home and the time we spent with Myra and Robert was so special in the way that they made us feel like we were a member of their family. We send our deepest sympathies to the Kraft family.

WILLIE MCGINEST
I was drafted by the Patriots in 1994, the year the Kraft family bought the team. I met Myra for the first time shortly after I was drafted and have always felt a connection with her. She had a motherly influence that I always respected and appreciated. Whenever I saw her, she would always give me a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. It was so sweet. In terms of her physical size, she was one of the smallest people in my life, but also the one with the biggest heart. We never talked about football. Our conversations were always about my family. It was as if it were her mission in life to check on the well being of others. She taught me a lot about the importance of giving back in your community. She was sweet and had great character. In that way, I think she had a great influence on the Patriots organization. I will miss her. My thoughts are with Robert and the entire Kraft family.

LAWYER MILLOY
I'm truly heartbroken today. Myra Kraft has passed away. With my brisk departure from Boston, she is the one person that I regret not saying goodbye to. As a young player/man she was a great example of how a woman stands beside, not behind, a man of power! I never got a chance to say thanks for that lasting impression. R.I.P. You will be missed.

ADAM VINATIERI
"Myra Kraft was an amazing woman that I had the privilege of meeting my rookie year. She instantly made me feel welcome into the Patriots and "Kraft" family. For a woman small in stature, she had the biggest heart and largest caring attitude. I attended many events with Myra, including the R.O.S.E. Fund's annual event on multiple occasions. I can tell you that she touched the lives of countless people and made an impact that improved the lives of so many people. I am greatful for having the opportunity to have known such a wonderful woman. My thoughts and prayers are with the Kraft Family."

PATRIOTS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS ANDRE TIPPETT
"Myra Kraft was the matriarch of the Patriots organization and the driving force behind all of our charitable initiatives. Upon completion of any project, her first question was always 'How can we do more?' Her impact locally and globally was immeasurable. The philanthropic community has lost one of its brightest stars.

"On a personal level, I loved Myra very much and considered her part of my family. She was a strong and sweet woman who I looked to for guidance in nearly every aspect of my life. This hurts tremendously. On behalf of Rhonda and my children, our deepest condolences go out to Robert, Jonathan, Dan, Josh, David and the entire Kraft family."

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