Squawk Box" traveled to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., and asked experts to tackle some of the big issues facing the football and the business that surrounds the sport.
On Building Patriot Place
“We were in the red zone, but we’re now in the end zone. Good things happen when you get to the end zone, and we’re going to keep it flowing.….We’re privileged here that we’ve been able to build this stadium. It’s our land. It’s our stadium. We paid for the infrastructure. And now we’re building this Patriot Place here and it’s all with family fun.”
-Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots
On the Upcoming Season
“I think when you start a new season everything's a concern, and you just have to reestablish your level of play. Each of us - coaches, players - establish a new level of play this season and we will just see how this team shapes up. It might be different than last year. It might be better in some areas, might be not as good in others. It’s hard to tell in pre-season, you really don’t know until the regular season gets under way.”
-Bill Belichick, New England Patriots Coach
On the Most Important Aspects of His Job
“Always keep an eye on the game - make sure the game stays strong. And the second issue is really make sure that we’re sensitive to our business partners, all 32 clubs, and make sure we look at technology and see how it can change the game. We don’t rest on our laurels. We want to make sure we continue the success of the NFL.”
-Roger Goodell, commissioner of the National Football League
On Endorsements and Football
“The important thing for me is that everything I do always aligns with...how football is the most important thing for me and it continues to be that way. There’s a lot of opportunities out there and believe me in my ninth year I’ve seen a lot of things come and go. There is nothing that excites me like getting out there and playing football.”
-Tom Brady, Patriot Quaterback
On Gillette Stadium
“This was a tremendous opportunity for the Gillette Company to link itself to another winning brand the Patriots. Linking ourselves with a winning family, the Kraft family and the business relationship that has come out of it has been tremendous. A little fun fact on Gillette Stadium: six years that the stadium has been open, the Patriots are 85 percent winning right here, including 3 seasons of an undefeated home record.”
-Chip Bergh, Procter and Gamble President
On Philadelphia Soul and Ownership
“We have a ring now. It’s quite an honor. I’ve had a lot of fun with it. It’s a lot of fun to be in the game of football on the ownership side. With great mentors like my friend Mr. Kraft. You know going to school, learning the ropes.”
-Jon Bon Jovi, Singer and Owner of Philadelphia Soul
On Patriot Hall of Patriots and Bob Craft
“I think it shows the imagination that Bob Craft has. I mean he was a fan growing up during the lean times and basically has put this together to honor those people that has made him a fan. I think in someway has inspired him to be the owner that he is today and win the Super Bowl.”
-John Hannah, Hall of Fame Patriot
On being a Patriot
“For me it’s always been pretty good but with the success with the organization, the players, the team, recently being inducted I think the credibility level has risen. People want to hear whatever I have to say and it’s a lot of fun.”
-Andre Tippett, Hallf of Fame Patriot
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