Q: Why is this event so important?

RKK: We've been doing this since 1998 and volunteerism has always been so important to our family. Myra [Kraft], that was her favorite thing, she volunteered. No one knew what she was doing and she made me understand what makes America great are these organizations that we've honored here today. We really feel good that we got 450 nominations to celebrate volunteerism form throughout New England. To see people winning it from age 17 to 93 from all six New England states, all of our fan base is here. It's pretty exciting. This is what makes America great, doing random acts of kindness through these groups. The Patriots are honored to be branded with this day. 

Q: What do you think Myra would say right now?

RKK: When I saw the picture of her sorting out the clothes in the Cradles to Crayons, seeing her on the floor sorting clothes, this group used to be modest when we started. Seeing all the people today, this helps to get these groups some recognition, to get supporters. Today in America, we have so many challenges. Letting everybody know that people care about them, and that organizations like this care, I think is very important. 

Q: What kind of reality check does an event like today's provide?

RKK: I realize that my worst day is pretty good. We live in the greatest country in the world and it's incumbent on all of us to keep doing random acts of kindness and to keep making everybody's lives better. As part of that, I think the Patriots have an obligation to have a pretty good year, and I do feel good about that too. I like this group of players that has come in. We have the OTAs, we have [mini] camp next week, and there is a great spirit in the locker room. I think we have great depth and I'm very excited about the upcoming season. 

Q: You realize Myra Kraft is smiling right now, right?

RKK: Big time. I really hope so and believe that. It's been five years, it's almost impossible to believe that. 

Q: What message do you have for fans about your decision to get involved in Tom Brady's fight in trying to overturn his suspension?

RKK: I appreciate you asking that question and I respect it, but today we are celebrating volunteerism. We always start this right before the start of the season. We're excited football is back, seeing these guys work out, but I'm going to keep all of our discussions today on a high point in the spirit of what this day is about.  

Q: Are you confident that everything will work out in the end?

RKK: Things working out, to me, means we make the playoffs and then hopefully take the next step to do what we all would like to see happen here. When you go through the locker room you get a feel of what's going on and I think the new people that have come in are pretty special. There is a great chemistry in the locker room and people have worked very hard in the offseason training program. We're very excited to have football back. I can't wait for the season to start.