Myra Kraft Dies: NFL Loses Staunch Supporter and Philanthropist

On Wednesday morning, Myra Kraft, wife of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, lost her long battle with cancer.

In a statement issued by the New England Patriots this morning, the heartfelt sorrow for a wonderful woman was obvious.

“Words cannot express the deep sorrow that we feel in learning of the passing of Myra Hiatt Kraft. Myra passed away early this morning after a courageous battle with cancer. We are all heartbroken. The global philanthropic community and the New England Patriots family have suffered a great loss.”

Robert and Myra Kraft had been married for 48 years, and husband Robert was always known to refer to his wife as “my sweetheart,” even when speaking with reporters.

When Kraft purchased the New England Patriots in 1994, his wife Myra knew little about the sport, but over the years educated herself and came to love the game of football, and by extension the New England Patriots family.

Myra was the president and chair of the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation, an organization that took the lead and led many successful charity drives for children’s groups, education programs and many other local charity organizations.

Myra was known as “Momma” to many former and current New England Patriots players, many of whom took to Twitter to convey their condolences.

Among the players who tweeted condolences on Wednesday morning:

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“We have lost 1 of the greatest women I know & hands down the finest in all of sports w/ the passing of Mrs. Myra Kraft,” former fullback Heath Evans said.

“What made Myra Kraft special? Strong but Tender-hearted/Proud but Humble/Bold but Soft-Spoken/ Extremely blessed but lived to be a Blessing.”

Current defensive captain Vince Wilfork: “A wonderful life lost…Luv ya Myra "momma"

Linebacker Jerod Mayo: "I am extremely saddened with the passing of Myra Kraft. [She] has been a mainstay in the community and the Patriots family. Her giving spirit along with her countless random acts of kindness and philanthropy will continue to be a legacy to be remembered."

Linebacker Dane Fletcher: "RIP Myra Kraft... Thoughts & prayers go out to Mr. Kraft and the Kraft family, she was a very unique & special person!"

Former receiver Donte Stallworth: "Great family, great ownership that really cares about EVERY player! My condolences to the Krafts."

Former safety Lawyer Milloy: "I'm truly heartbroken today. Myra Kraft has passed away. With my Brisk departure from #Boston, she is the one person that I regret not saying goodbye too. As a young player/man she was a gr8 example of how a woman stands beside, not behind, a man of power! I never got a chance to say thanks 4 that lasting impression. R.I.P. You will be missed."

Taylor Twellman, the retired former star of the New England Revolution, which the Krafts also owned: "Today is a very sad day. Myra Kraft in '02 when I came to Boston opened her arms to me and made me feel like her son. And will forever remember what Myra/Robert meant to me and my parents when I signed with the Revoluation. My 2nd set of parents were n Boston!"

Former quarterback Scott Zolak: "Sad day for all in Patriot Nation, Myra Kraft will be missed by all connected to this franchise. She did so much good for so many people."

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Husband Robert has been very busy in recent months in working with the NFLPA to help resolve the current lockout, and many were unaware that Kraft was also flying back and forth from meetings to be with his wife during her illness.

"On behalf of all NFL players, I want to offer my deepest sympathies to Bob and the Kraft family," NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith said in a statement. "I know how much he loves Myra. We mourn her loss and my heart goes out to a great man and his family. Myra will be missed."

Myra Kraft is survived by Robert, her husband of 48 years, four sons and eight grandchildren.

Doug Mead is a featured columnist with Bleacher Report. His work has been featured on the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, SF Gate, CBS Sports, the Los Angeles Times and the Houston Chronicle. Follow Doug on Twitter, @Sports_A_Holic.