No matter who you are or what has happened in the past year, odds are that New England Patriots owner Bob Kraft has been through more since this same time frame in 2011: he was a big piece that helped end the NFL lockout, his beloved wife Myra passed away and the Pats had another great season but lost in the Super Bowl to the Giants.
Today, it was announced that Kraft was chosen as the 2012 George Halas award winner by the Professional Football Writers Association (PFWA). It's a nice way to wrap up what has no doubt been an exhausting and very emotional period in his life.
He is the first NFL owner and also person associated with the Patriots to win the award which recognizes the NFL player, coach or staff member that overcomes the most adversity to succeed during a given season.
The other nominees were Browns linebacker D'Qwell Jackson and Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford who both came back from season-ending injuries in 2010 to have great individual seasons in 2011 while former No. 1 overall pick 49ers quarterback Alex Smith finally put it all together as San Francisco made the NFC Championship game before losing to the Giants.
That wasn't the only big news for Kraft as it was also revealed that he'll be inducted into the Columbia University Athletics Hall of Fame in a ceremony on October 18. Kraft earned two letters at the Ivy League school: he played on the freshman football team in 1959 then was on the varsity lightweight football team in 1960. An injury during his junior ended his football career.
Even though we never saw him play, we can all agree that Kraft is a much better businessman than football player, still it's pretty cool that his alma mater is recognizing him. Not that they need the money but you can bet that Kraft has built a few laboratories or dorms on Columbia's campus. That and the fact that he's so famous are probably why he is getting this honor in the first place plus it's not like Columbia is known for its powerhouse sports programs.
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