'Patriots' Owner Robert Kraft Auctions off Super Bowl LI Ring to Raise Money for Charity

The novel coronavirus has continued to affect several parts of the global economy. However, several notable names have stepped up to provide aid. Robert Kraft, the billionaire owner of the New England Patriots, is joining the list.

In a video posted on Twitter earlier this month, the football executive confirmed that he would be joining the "All In Challenge." The challenge is the brainchild of Michael Rubin, a fellow billionaire, and prominent businessman.

Rubin is using the challenge to help raise millions of dollars for those in need at this time. It's one of the many charitable campaigns in this period.

As Robert explained, he has been thinking about the sacrifice of healthcare workers for a while. Among other things, their work ethic reminds him of his team's conquest at 2016's Super Bowl LI. The Patriots famously came back from a 28-3 deficit to clinch the Vince Lombardi trophy over the Atlanta Falcons.

Given the odds against the team, Robert explained that the ring held a special place with him. So, he decided to auction it off as a memento. He added:

"I thought about what's going on in this time and wanted to give something of extreme value in support of our healthcare workers, so I thought it would be good to give this ring..."

Robert pointed out that the United States is the greatest country in the world. As he sees it, everyone can pull through by showing teamwork. He will now be auctioning the Super Bowl LI ring. All proceeds will go to help purchase meals for people who are in desperate need.

This isn't the first time that Robert will be showing his charitable side amid the pandemic.

Reports confirmed that the bid for the ring started at $75,000. Soon enough, however, bidding prices got as high as $900,000. Apart from doing a charitable thing, the eventual winner will meet with Robert personally. The person will have a tour of the Patriots' Gillette Stadium and even have dinner with the billionaire. Robert said:

"If you're from the New England area, we are gonna send our car to come pick you up and bring you here. If you're somewhere else in America, we are gonna send our plane to pick you up and bring you here."

This isn't the first time that Robert will be showing his charitable side amid the pandemic. Early last month, he reportedly sent the Patriots' team plane to China to purchase protective equipment for healthcare workers in Massachusetts.

The state had been unsuccessful in getting the right protective gear for a while. So, Governor Charlie Baker contacted the Kraft family for some help. In total, the plane reportedly brought about 2.2 million masks. The family also donated $2 million as part payment for the shipping.