Josh Bassett
A higher power?
http://espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs/2011/story/_/id/7524999/super-bowl-2012-myra-hiatt-kraft-provides-guiding-light-patriots
Even though the Patriots have had a great season and ending with a winning record its not all smiles. In July a special lady passed away from breast cancer. At the age of 68, Mrya Hiatt Kraft lived life to the fullest. Mrya and Robert Kraft were married for the past 48 years. She meant the world to all people that were on the Patriots team. She didn’t care about the game most players said. She was more worried about true feelings and not the business side of life. She wanted to know how their families were. The team wears a patch on the left side of there jerseys that says “MHK”. In the AFC Championship game Green-Ellis broke the tie with a touch down. “ He dropped the ball in the end zone, touched his MHK patch, then his face mask as if to give the woman the players called "Mama" a kiss, then pointed skyward.” After someone does something good they touch the patch. Some say it’s like Tebowing but its more thanking her for looking down and having that 12 player on the field. As we all know the Patriots ended up winning the game because the Ravens kicker missed the field goal. Everyone felt that there was a larger power in the stadium that night, Mrya. It was a 32-yard kick that should have forced overtime. The ball went wide left, like someone hit the ball in the air away from the goal posts. The team gave the Kraft family a framed picture of her initials with the team under it looking up. It has been hanging in the middle of the team’s locker room for the past games they won. The picture was shipped on the plane with the team and is now hanging in the locker room at the Super bowl. Mr. Kraft’s family estimated worth is around 1.3 billion dollars. He has donated more than 100 million dollars to charity. She was a great women and she will never be forgotten. When you go to Gillette stadium you can feel the peace in the air looking down on you.
1. Do you believe in the higher power?
2. In your eyes even though they didn’t win the super bowl was the message of dedication the season to Myra accomplished?
3. How do you feel about Robert donating 100 million dollars to charity?
1. I think that question goes beyond the scope of football and this blog.
ReplyDelete2. I'm not qualified to answer that question.
3. Tax Write-off.
I have very little religious background. I was not brought up religiously, but do believe that I am a spiritual person. I do, however, feel that sometimes football takes advantage of the idea of a higher power. Society needs to prioritize what most importantly needs their prayers. We have troops that have been fighting for over a decade still in Afghanistan and children who don't even make to the age of four because they become defeated by cancer. To pray for a touchdown or game win, when reality can be so cruel, seems absolutely bogus. I do believe in a higher power, though, but my perception is nothing like standardized religion or spirituality. I do believe, though, that those who have passed on can still have a pressence on Earth. I also think that there can be signs of those people "reappearing".
ReplyDeleteI think that they definitely got the message across that the season was dedicated to Myra, which can be good press for the team, but I also feel that this can be bad press because the public can spin it into the team relying on a spiritual power more than their own ability. This can be perceived as being controversial, though, because it seems like they relied on Myra more than anything.
I think that the fact that Mr. Kraft has donated so much to charity is definitely good press for him. People like this kind of stuff. This is all the more reason to support him and his team. People like businesses that get involved with their communities. The fact that Mr. Kraft does this will sit well with his community of Patriot's fans and the supporters of the foundations he donates to. This is a great marketing tool for him, as well. I am all for donating to charity and I appreciate those who feel the same way.
I agree with Alli's point about the message. However before reading this article I had no idea who Myra was. (and yes i have watched Patriot games). I just feel like these gestures sometimes become too overdramatic. I udnerstand that when a player loses a family member he might do something symbolic on the field that connects him or her with the lost one, but for a team to do that over a whole season I feel like it is a littel bit over the top and I feel like we are drifting away from sport values.
DeleteAfter reviewing the article I came to the conclusion that faith is a notion that is found not just in sporting endeavors but in human nature as a whole. This must be taken into account when attempting to understand the team's faith in their higher power. The Patriots had found a classy and respectful way to mourn the passing of a team owner's wife through the symbolic patch and her initials. I am not particularly qualified as to comment on the existence of this higher power simply because I try to maintain a humble ambiance in respect to the topic of religion (and politics). I am a more "see only the concrete beneath my shoes" type of individual so I simply respect the methods of mourning for the Patriots team.
ReplyDeleteI can, however, speculate that the respectful dedication to Mrs. Kraft was accomplished. Winning the Super Bowl is not very relevant to the mourning of a woman who was not about the business but more about the heart and family of the players. I am sure the Kraft family has taken these blessings in full without confusing her loving memories and a Super Bowl loss together.
In regard to Mr. Kraft's charitable donations I would have to agree with both Alli and Dan.Although such donations do make great PR spectacles for the organization and the Kraft family the bottom line is the man is still worth 1.3 billion dollars. When an individual gains this type of wealth they take on a responsibility to see the world on a wider scope and participate actively in improving society as a whole. The other truth is that, as Dan mentioned, the wealthy take advantage of "charitable" donations as tax write offs so we, the public, can't pat them on the back as if they were robin hood figures because pure charity comes without self reward. If Mr. Kraft were to volunteer a few days in a soup kitchen then he would be more worthy of the charitable title. Just sayn'.
I personally do not believe in the higher power in think that the kicker was very nervous at that time and the pressure got to him. It is is easy to make something in practice but a whole other thing to repeat it in a conference final, under enormous pressure in front of a hostile crowd.
ReplyDeleteI like the gesture and believe that the team did a very honorable thing during the season by thanking her every time they would do something good.
Mr. Kraft’s is an example for all the billionaires who do not help others that are in need. In my opinion if you have that much money giving away $100 Million should not be a big deal. I feel like these individual are expected to help others in order to promote reduction in poverty.
Did you know most NFL teams have a Chaplain on staff? I wonder what they receive for compensation? Is this money well spent?
ReplyDeleteFrom an interesting article:
Delete"Owners and coaches try to take care of their players physically, financially and psychologically, but they understand that players have spiritual needs too. And the more the players are spiritually at peace, the more they can focus on the game. Some teams favor a group approach — the Indianapolis Colts, for example, have three go-to spiritual receivers, covering Protestant and Catholic denominations. (The NFL is overwhelmingly Christian; when the occasional Jewish or Muslim player requires counsel, the teams generally outsource.) And it's not just the players who make use of chaplains' services. On game day, some chaplains can be seen in the cement concourses hustling back and forth from the owner's box to the sidelines quelling anxieties and quieting doubt."
Read more: http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1933406,00.html#ixzz1lqg4FSw0
-- Private company: $39,534 - $50,100
DeleteI think this money is well spent, because players with beliefs need someone they can talk and believe in. This could give them teh comfort, confidence and peace of mind to perform better on the field.
I do believe in a higher power I believe in God and my religion, but I would not say I am a die-hard religious or spiritual person. I do believe with Alli that it is taken advantage of, but I think that's true of most industries. Look at sports, award ceremonies, really any accomplishment, many people thank god for their accomplishment. Maybe that was part of their motivation to believe in their higher power, but they were not the one who helped them score that touchdown or win a Grammy. I think the higher power gets hyperbolized and gives people who are so in touch with their religion the power to pray things away or pray for things that are so intangible or really based on chance. However to play devil's advocate, who am I to tell anyone what they should believe in when it comes to their faith.
ReplyDeleteThe Patriots absolutely succeeded in dedicated of this season the Myra, the fans did as well. During many games especially the AFC Championship and Super Bowl Twitter was blowing up with Happy Tweets in honor of #MHK. She was a huge part of the organization as well and was the first lady of the Patriots. When it comes down to it, would I have loved to see the Pats win the Super Bowl, yes. Did I agree with every coaching decision this year, No. But this team still accomplished a great deal and just because they did not get the Super Bowl Title doesn't mean we should disregard everything they did as a team or find it un-honorable to MHK. A loss is a loss but we move on from it, but I don't think it's appropriate to even question the teams dedication to MHK.
It may be a tax write off as Danny said, but then every single millionaire or billionaire is guilty of that. It in no way should discourage those more fortunate from donating and that was one of the guiding lights of Myra Kraft. When she got involved with the Organization she thought of new ways for the organization to give back even in her last year of life starting a cancer charity. I think it is a great thing that I am sure Kraft is going to continue to do especially towards cancer research (maybe not to Susan G Komen anytime soon) but that is what we need and who really cares if he gets a tax write off for it, thats a moot point.
Wow, this is a big question for a blog but I am excited to comment on it. Just as Alli, I am a very religious person, I grew up in a Mennonite community and was raised believing there was a higher power. This was easy to understand until I left my small community and was questioned about my faith, morals and what I believed in. At first I seemed to struggle not only what I believed in but also talking about it with others. It felt as if this society was so scared to offend someone we didn't talk about anything that someone might not agree with. As I continue to mature and learn more about myself I am learning that I do believe in a higher power more then ever.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if I believe that Mrya changed the direction of the ball to win the game, but I do believe that Mrya gave them the courage, drive and belief that they could win the game. The Patriots were playing more then just for a win, they were playing for an amazing woman they all cared so much about. It is absolutely amazing how much can be accomplished when there is a greater goal then simply to win a game. Mrya brought that team together, that is why they were able to accomplish what they did. Although they didn't come out with the Championship win, I'm sure everyone of the players will tell you they gave it absolutely everything they had. Success of a season isn't only determined on who won the Championship but also how far the team has progressed from the start of the season to the end.
As far as donating the 1 billion dollars to charity, I find it inspiring. This man knew Mrya lived a great life, where she seemed to give everything she had and in honor of her life Mr. Kraft did simply that. I think we should all be inspired to give just a little everyday and learn from both Mrya and Mr. Kraft!
I do believe in a higher power, but I don’t see that being the reason why Billy Cundiff missed a 30+ yard “chip shot”, but I am thankful for it.
ReplyDeleteEven though they didn’t win the Super Bowl I believe that the team played with an edge and played with a little extra motivation throughout the season. I cannot say it was accomplished fully because they wanted to win the Super Bowl but I know that Myra would have turned the season into something positive.They got better and better as the season went along, and there are not many people out there that can say they believed the Pats would have made it to the playoffs. She had such an impact not only to the Pats current players but also past. She had a lot of influence in this year in particular because she really wanted to see the NFL have a season. Mr. and Mrs. Kraft both were key components to why the NFL was able to have a season this year.
Robert Kraft has been one of the more interesting people in New England, and one of the more popular owners in the NFL. I think it is awesome for him to donate money to charity. Mr. and the late Myra Kraft both donated a lot, money wise and time wise to many charities. 100 million dollars may not be a lot for the Kraft family or some other NFL owners but that is not the point. The point is that it’s a donation and that the money is going towards something or someone that needs it more.
This question is one that I have thought about myself once or twice. After much dileberation I have decided that I do beleive in a higher power, after loosing many people myself from cancer I can understand how Bob Kraft and many of the Patriots players feel. However when it comes to football I am not sure Myra is the reason that the feild goal was missed, but who am I to say. I think that it is everyones right to belive in whatever they choose so if people feel that it was Myras doing then so be it.
ReplyDeleteI feel the the message of the season being dedicated to Myra was a deffinate success. Not only did the players wear the MHK symbol over their heart but many of the fans themselves found ways to support Myra with signs and clothes of their own. I feel that Myra was a very loved member of the Patriots organization and because of her big heart and love for the player, she will never be forgotten.
Tax right off maybe? but like Ed says, why should we stop the millionairs and billionaires for giving this money to foundations, in the end it is helping the sick people that need it the most. I feel that Bob Kraft is a very generous man for his donations and will continue to donate to foundations as long as he is alive in Myra's memory.
Just want to point out the following in regards to questions 3.
ReplyDeleteFrom Article: "Five years ago, Fortune Magazine estimated the family's worth at $1.3 billion. In the preceding four years alone, according to the Chronicle of Philanthropy, the Krafts gave more than $100 million to charity."
I think the language of the question is misconstrued to the point the article was trying to make. Bob Kraft did not just give $100 million to charity after MHK's passing. The family had given over $100 million to charity over a long period of time. MHK was instrumental in this during her lifetime and for the organization. I would assume that Bob Kraft will continue to donate and probably to a cancer related charity in his wife's honor.
1. I do believe in a higher power.
ReplyDelete2. I believe the dedication to Mrs. Kraft was accomplished this year. The last few years has had the Patriots making the playoffs and losing in the first game they played. The Patriots had not had much success with the playoffs until this season where it seemed as though the players were playing for more than themselves or some legacy. The team took on the emotions from the situations and dedicated the season to Mrs.Kraft because that was what they wanted to do. For the players Mrs. Kraft was more than the owners wife she was a second mother to many of them and when she passed the team wanted to honor her memory and I believe they were successful this season. They came together and put together a great season and made it to the Super Bowl and came within a few minutes of winning. I would say that even though they did not win her memory was honored this year.
3. I feel that his donations were another way that he could honor his wife's memory. From all the press that was released this year that gave a,look into her life she was a very caring a loving person who cared for the community and Mr. Kraft's donations are in honor of her.
In light terms, sometimes I do feel that loved ones we have lost are looking down on us, and in times of doubt I find myself taking time to show the close people of my life who are no longer with me that I am still thinking about them. I’ve never personally had an experience like the one that the Patriots witnessed during the swift change of direction of the field goal, but I can remember the people I was with while watching the game and we all looked at each other and mentioned that MHK was definitely looking down on the team at that moment. Attaching the occurrence to Myra’s name seemed to be the most logical explanation for a field goal that should not have been missed in a professional football game. As sad as it was to hear about the passing of Myra, especially because Robert Kraft is such a successful business man that you never hear any bad press about, I definitely think that the team and the association did a very good job with the message of dedicating the season to Myra. Whether it was the sympathetic voice of the announcers whenever it was mentioned, the team wearing the MHK patch, the tapping after an accomplishment, or just the looking up after touchdowns or great catches. No one ever wants to see bad things happen to nice people but I think the way that the Patriots handled the passing was very respectful. I think that the donation of a million dollars to charity shows a lot about the personality of Robert Kraft, even though his estimated worth is 1.3 billion I think that so many times people forget that it’s not all about what you have coming in. Giving any donation, especially that of a million dollars is respectful. I feel that Myra touched the lives of many, it wasn’t just about the profits of the business for her and Mr. Kraft’s willingness to give after losing such a precious person is a really nice gesture.
ReplyDelete1. Do you believe in the higher power?
ReplyDeleteI do believe in a high power. I always have. I think that people die for a reason. They are always around and willing to help out in times of needs.
2. In your eyes even though they didn’t win the super bowl was the message of dedication the season to Myra accomplished?
With being a part of the NE Patriots Organization I do believe that the dedication of the season was accomplished. They fought day in and day out to get to the Super Bowl. Even though they didn’t get a win, they won in Mrs. Krafts eyes. Not once did the team give up. Yes there were a couple bad throws, some miscommunication, not caught balls etc. But they never gave up. This season was a very important season to all the men on that team.
3. How do you feel about Robert donating 100 million dollars to charity?
Mr. Kraft has the money to do it. He could have donated his entire life to the charity. It’s his way of showing his honor to the organization. He is a kind hearted man. He would do anything for anyone. His wife meant the world to him.
Quite honestly, I don't know what I believe. Although I was raised as a Catholic and made both my first communion and confirmation in the Catholic Church, I do not practice or "believe in" a given religion. As it relates to this article, I have watched a number of sporting events (whether it be baseball, basketball or football) where a player points toward the sky after a win. I hate to say it, but I'm starting to feel like it's becoming a fad. More and more players are beginning to attribute their success to "a higher power" rather than their own abilities.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was watching the Super Bowl this past Sunday, I wasn't aware of what "MHK" meant or why it was attached to each player's jersey. Now that I know the story behind it, I believe it was an honorable gesture. Myra left behind a "legacy of greatness" through her involvement and contributions to various charities. By wearing her initials on game day, you could say that the Patriots were carrying on her legacy as a means of fulfilling their own.
As the article states (and as Ed noted), the Krafts have donated $100 million to charity over the past 9 years. Based on what the article tells us about Myra (her active involvement and dedication to a number of charities), I don't know that I'd be so quick to call it a tax write-off. It seems to me as though Myra was a good person interested in the good of others, and she was able to demonstrate this through giving generously to charities -- and so be it.
I am personally not a very religious person, nor do I come from an (extremely) religious background. I have, however, learned to become more spiritual in the passing of loved ones over the years.
ReplyDeleteI did not watch every single Pat's game (if any at all), and I knew about the passing of Robert Kraft's wife, but I didn't even know what their patches were until the Superbowl. But, hearing about them touching the patches every time something good happened was definitely one of the ways of showing the dedication to the game and Myra, and how they were playing in honor of her. I agree with Cam that even though they lost the Superbowl, no one mixed up the loss of the game with the loss of Myra.
I do not see any reason why Robert Kraft would have donated millions of dollars over the years other than out of the goodness of his heart. I believe that he was not driven by the incentive of tax cuts or good publicity as others might say. I don't even know what he needs good publicity for? That's just me.
First I do believe in a higher power, but I don't believe it has any affect on sports. Yea people pray, teams hire a chaplain but that has nothing to do with how they play the game. You play the game the way you prepare for the game. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.
ReplyDelete1. Do you believe in the higher power?
ReplyDeleteI am a firm believer in the higher power. I am extremely religious, and have a strong presence of religion in my life. However, I do not believe in the higher power in the sense of a football team. I actually think it's a pretty ludacris statement to relate the NFL to God when there are so many more important issues in our world. I won't go on a rant, but this topic definitely hits very close to home. I believe that Myra Kraft was a wonderful woman, and a role model to others. I think that she watches down on her family everyday or those who were most important in her life.
2. In your eyes even though they didn’t win the super bowl was the message of dedication the season to Myra accomplished?
Winning had nothing to do with dedicating a season to Myra. The fact that they carried her presence in their hearts, is what I deem as the most meaningful. They could have lost every game, but as long as Myra was constantly honored-that would be dedication in the highest possible honor.
3. How do you feel about Robert donating 100 million dollars to charity?
I think it is a great thing. If you have the money to do so, why wouldn't you? I would donate as much as I possibly could to the Autism Speaks foundation, the March of Dimes, or to the American Heart Association if I could. These are all organizations which have a great impact on my life, and are causes that I support fully. I definitely wouldn't be donating for the sake of my name-that is for sure.