Robert Kraft has meant a lot to the game of football, and not just here in New England. Kraft not only helped built New England's premier sports franchise since purchasing the team in 1994, but also played a major role in solving last year's NFL Lockout. Now, it's time Kraft gets his dues.

Accordingly, Kraft is one of 127 men nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2013. Kraft, who is nomiated as a "contributor," is joined on the ballot by former Patriots players Drew Bledsoe, Ted Washington, Stanley Morgan, Ben Coates and Fred Smerlas, as well as former head coach Bill Parcells.

Kraft began as a season ticket holder since 1971 and began the process of assuming ownership of the team in 1985. Kraft also owns the New England Revolution, the Boston area MLS team that also plays in Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA.

The Hall of Fame Selection committee will narrow down the nominees to 15 finalists and will vote on February 2, 2013.