Robert Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots, has reignited attention surrounding the alleged theft of his Super Bowl ring by Russian President Vladimir Putin, dating back to 2005. This amusing yet bizarre story takes center stage once again, thanks to the recent release of Apple TV's "The Dynasty" series, raising eyebrows and questions: Did Putin really just walk away with Kraft’s precious piece of jewelry?
The incident occurred during Kraft's trip to Russia for business. Being the proud owner of such a coveted trophy, he naturally brought along his Super Bowl ring to show off. After all, who wouldn't want to flaunt such bling? When Kraft met Putin, he couldn't resist the urge to show him the ring, which he valued at approximately $25,000. Putin reportedly donned the ring, making the unsettling comment, "I can kill someone with this ring," before pocketing it and walking away with three KGB agents nearby, as recounted by Kraft.
It's worth noting the actual value of Super Bowl rings typically ranges from $30,000 to $50,000, making Kraft's ring not just any piece of jewelry, but rather, a symbol of his team's success and legacy. After it mysteriously found its way to Russia, Kraft publicly called for its return. But here's where things take another twist.
According to Kraft, the White House suggested he frame the loss as if he had gifted the ring to Putin to avoid any diplomatic tension between the U.S. and Russia. He obliged, claiming the ring was meant as a token of respect for the Russian people. Nevertheless, Kraft later confessed this narrative wasn’t even his idea, but rather the result of pressure from the U.S. government. Russia, naturally, took this as confirmation of the ring being a gift and added it to Putin’s personal collection, now displayed proudly at the Kremlin.
Despite his ring being gone for nearly two decades, Kraft's sense of humor remains intact. At various public appearances, including one where he honored fellow quarterback Tom Brady, he cheekily asked for his ring back, joking about how it “disappeared.” One can't help but wonder if there’s any chance he might actually retrieve it this time around.
The story not only showcases the unusual circumstances surrounding the ring's disappearance but also highlights broader questions relating to international relations. Kraft, who has won six Super Bowl titles, effectively lost one of his cherished trophies to the Kremlin.
Back to the story of the ring, Kraft recalls the meeting, stating, "The original is in Russia with the president of the country. I happened to be there on a business mission with my friend, Sandy Weil. We had just been awarded our rings, and Sandy suggested I show it to the president." Kraft vividly remembers Putin’s reaction, saying, “He sort of enjoyed it, so he kept it on.”
During the pain of losing such a valuable piece of memorabilia, Kraft expressed his frustration on Netflix, humorously demanding, "If Vladimir Putin, you're watching, give me my f***ing ring back, will ya?" This lighthearted approach, even amid tensions and intrigue, has helped keep the story alive.
The episode also hints at the careful dance necessary between political entities. It's reported Kraft received communications from then-President George W. Bush’s administration urging him not to pursue the ring's return due to the hope of improving USA-Russia relations. Such diplomatic nuances certainly cast a shadow over what would otherwise be simple personal grievance sure to draw public support.
Regardless of the underlying politics, the story of Kraft's ring continues to fascinate sports fans and casual observers alike, creating curiosity and speculation. It raises poignant questions about the intersection of sports, celebrity, and international politics, prompting discussions about how such seemingly trivial matters could ripple across the broader geopolitical terrain.
Perhaps with the renewed attention generated by the latest documentary series, Kraft may just be able to reclaim his bling from the Kremlin. For now, the saga remains one of the most entertaining anecdotes from the world of sports, pinpricking the serious backdrop of U.S.-Russian relations with laughs and intrigue.