New England Patriots Players Play Football In Israel (Video)

Patriots owner Robert Kraft took some of his past and present players to Israel. Kraft received the Israeli Genesis Prize. It’s a prize granted to an individual in honor of their true commitment to Jewish values. The Patriots owner and his players had a lot of fun. Stephon Gilmore, David Andrews, Joe Thuney, Isaiah Wynn, Brandon King, and Nate Ebner. They are joined by former Patriots Andre Tippett, Drew Bledsoe, Jerod Mayo, Ty Law, and Vince Wilfork are definitely enjoying their time in Israel.

Before the trip, the owner told his players that this trip is of utmost importance for him. He delivered an emotional speech.

“I hope it’s going to turn out to be one of the greatest weeks in your life,” Kraft said. “This is over 100 times I’ve gone [to Israel], and the first time I went on my honeymoon with my sweetheart, it just changed my life. You’re in this spirituality, there are connections that will be made that will just be life-changing. It will give you a sense, an internal sense, of what a special experience.”

The players played some football at the Kraft Sports Complex in Jerusalem.

Kraft sponsored the complex in 2017.

“My late, darling wife Myra always used to tell me that until I start building football in Israel, I would not win anything with Patriots,” he said. “That happened in late 1999, and we won our first Super Bowl in 2001. Now we have five championships, and I can’t ignore the connection between our continuing to support development in Israel and our great accomplishments.”

His opening speech was emotional, and Kraft made sure everyone becomes aware of the value of his project.

“Shalom Chaverim. It is an honor to be here in Jerusalem, the holy city, the center of spirituality for all of the nation of Israel,” said Kraft. “When I reached the age of Bar Mitzva, I got a pair of Tefillin from my father, of blessed memory. Every morning I would put them on and say the Amida while facing the direction of Jerusalem and dreamed of the day when I could visit Jerusalem and pray at the Kotel.

“Today, I have the privilege and honor of standing here before you and I continue to thank God that I have the ability, with my family, to help in the building of Jerusalem, and with God’s help to continue to do so in the future.”