Russian President Vladimir Putin took Super Bowl ring from Robert Kraft

Putin's Super Bowl Ring Heist: Kraft's Story & The Fallout

Russian President Vladimir Putin took Super Bowl ring from Robert Kraft

By  Jerod Goodwin

What happens when a Super Bowl ring, a symbol of American sporting triumph, ends up in the hands of the leader of a global superpower, and the circumstances surrounding its acquisition are, to put it mildly, peculiar? In a saga that blends high-stakes diplomacy, international intrigue, and the sheer audacity of the unexpected, the story of Robert Kraft's missing Super Bowl ring is far from a straightforward narrative.

The incident, which transpired in 2005 during a business trip to St. Petersburg, Russia, involving New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, is back in the headlines. At the time, Kraft, fresh off the heels of Super Bowl XXXIX victory, found himself in the company of Russian President Vladimir Putin. What began as a diplomatic endeavor soon morphed into an international incident, culminating in the alleged theft of Kraft's prized Super Bowl ring. Kraft, in recent weeks, has openly discussed the matter, adding a layer of public acknowledgment to a story that was once shrouded in Cold War-esque secrecy and denials.

The narrative, as it has been pieced together, is as bizarre as it is captivating. Kraft, along with other American businessmen, was meeting with Putin. During the meeting, Kraft reportedly showed off his Super Bowl ring. Putin, admiring the ring's size and opulence, purportedly tried it on, declared that he "could kill someone with this ring," and then, according to Kraft, simply pocketed it. The details, as recounted by Kraft and subsequently corroborated by various sources, are indeed unsettling. It appears the ring, valued at around $25,000, was taken without Krafts explicit consent, a notion that is at odds with the initial narrative that emerged after the event.

The aftermath of the alleged theft was marked by a series of actions, most notably the White House's intervention. The U.S. government, concerned about the potential ramifications of an international dispute with Russia, reportedly urged Kraft to downplay the incident. Initially, Kraft complied, stating that the ring was a gift. However, in recent years, the story has been revisited and Kraft has come forward, suggesting a completely different account of events. This shift in perspective has reopened the case and has sparked a renewed interest in the events surrounding this unusual transaction.

In the intricate dance of international relations and the world of professional sports, it's quite uncommon for these worlds to collide. The incident highlights the complexities of power dynamics, the allure of luxury items, and the sometimes surreal interactions between individuals and nations. The Super Bowl ring, which symbolized athletic achievement and financial success, became a pawn in an international game that took a completely unexpected turn. As the story continues to unfold, it serves as a vivid reminder that even in the most predictable of settings, the unexpected can occur, rewriting history in ways that are both surprising and unforgettable.

The question of whether Kraft initially offered the ring as a sign of respect, as he later claimed, is up for debate. Was it a deliberate gesture of goodwill, or was it a forced act, carried out to preserve political stability? Putin has not offered any public comments on the matter in recent times. Despite the denials, the ring remains in Putins possession, and it serves as a constant reminder of the incident. The events of 2005 and the Super Bowl ring are a compelling case of how politics, celebrity, and sport can unexpectedly collide.

The story has recently gained further traction, particularly in light of Kraft's appearance at Tom Bradys Netflix roast. His willingness to openly discuss the ring saga on a public stage has demonstrated how the incident has evolved from an embarrassment to a curious anecdote.

This is the story of how a piece of jewelry, a symbol of American sporting excellence, found itself at the heart of an international controversy. The tale of Robert Krafts stolen Super Bowl ring is more than just a stolen item; it's a peek into the unexpected realities of our global society.

Attribute Details
Full Name Robert K. Kraft
Born June 5, 1941 (age 83)
Birthplace Brookline, Massachusetts, USA
Education Columbia University
Known For Owner of the New England Patriots
Career Highlights
  • Acquired the New England Patriots in 1994
  • Led the Patriots to six Super Bowl victories (2002, 2004, 2005, 2015, 2017, 2019)
  • Significant contributions to philanthropic causes
Business Interests
  • Founder, Chairman, and CEO of The Kraft Group (various business interests)
  • Real estate development, paper and packaging, and sports and entertainment
Personal Life Married to Dana Blumberg in 2022. Previously married to Myra Hiatt Kraft (deceased in 2011)
Super Bowl Rings Won
  • Super Bowl XXXVI (2002)
  • Super Bowl XXXVIII (2004)
  • Super Bowl XXXIX (2005) - This is the ring in question.
  • Super Bowl XLIX (2015)
  • Super Bowl LI (2017)
  • Super Bowl LIII (2019)
Reference Official Patriots Website

In the aftermath of the Super Bowl XXXIX victory, a trip to St. Petersburg, Russia was planned for Kraft. The aim was primarily to foster business relationships. During the visit, at a meeting that included other American business leaders, Kraft found himself in the presence of Vladimir Putin. It was during this meeting that the alleged incident took place.

Sources recall that Kraft, encouraged by colleagues to show off his Super Bowl ring, took it out of his pocket. He then handed it to Putin, who, after admiring the ring, allegedly put it in his pocket and walked away with it. The incident created a complex diplomatic scenario, prompting the White House to intervene and advise Kraft to treat the matter as a gift. This action was seen as a way to avoid escalating the situation and to maintain diplomatic relations with Russia.

It's worth noting that, despite the passage of time and the various statements made by all parties involved, there has never been an official return of the ring. The lack of restitution, coupled with Putins ownership of the ring, continues to spark speculation and discussion.

The incident has taken on a life of its own, becoming more than just a personal episode for Kraft. It's now a well-known anecdote, often referenced in discussions about sports, international relations, and the complexities of power. The fact that a seemingly ordinary business trip could evolve into an international incident, involving a piece of jewelry and the leader of a major world power, adds to the enduring allure of the story.

Krafts willingness to talk about the incident in public signifies a transformation in the way this narrative has been presented. It has evolved from an embarrassing episode to a story he is willing to tell and that draws in public attention. This willingness to discuss the situation openly has turned a delicate situation into an ongoing story.

The rings story provides a unique illustration of the ways in which the worlds of sports, business, and international relations can intersect. It highlights how even the most symbolic items can be embroiled in politics and how the actions of influential people can influence their ultimate outcome. In the end, the tale of the stolen Super Bowl ring has become an iconic story.

Amidst the claims and denials, the White House advised Kraft on how to handle the matter. The initial strategy was one of quiet diplomacy, attempting to minimize any escalation that could potentially damage the U.S.-Russia relations. This was an effort to prevent a minor incident from developing into a major diplomatic crisis, an indication of how important the matter was to the government.

Putin, in a statement released years later, said that he viewed the ring as a gift. The official account denies any form of theft, portraying the event as an amiable exchange between individuals. This response highlights the different versions and competing claims which make the story very intriguing.

The legacy of the Super Bowl ring extends beyond the value of the ring itself. It embodies the complexities of international relations and the surprising ways in which trivial items can take on enormous importance. The narrative has evolved, with each version providing a different insight into the circumstances. In any case, the ring remains a potent symbol, with its unusual story set to captivate for years to come.

Russian President Vladimir Putin took Super Bowl ring from Robert Kraft
Russian President Vladimir Putin took Super Bowl ring from Robert Kraft

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  • Name : Jerod Goodwin
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