Tackle Football: NFL's Kraft family teams up with IFL

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
The Israel Football League has finalized a new sponsorship agreement with the Kraft Family, owners of the NFL's New England Patriots. The alliance makes the Krafts the title sponsors of the first full-contact tackle football league in Israel. Heading into its second season, the league has re-branded itself as the Kraft Family IFL to reflect this relationship with one of the most prominent football families in the world. The IFL is operated by American Football in Israel, which is centered at Kraft Family Stadium in Jerusalem. "Without question, this is the largest and most important partnership in league history," said AFI President Steve Leibowitz. "We are delighted that Robert and Myra Kraft and their wonderful family are once again demonstrating their support as we continue to develop the great sport of football in this region of the world." IFL Commissioner Ben Friedman added, "the Kraft family involvement will ensure a banner year for both the IFL and American Football in Israel at-large, and we're excited to kick off our upcoming season with such a significant milestone." Robert and Myra Kraft have an extensive history of supporting football in Israel. The Kraft Family Stadium opened in Jerusalem in 2000, and provides state-of-the-art facilities for the development of a series of football leagues operating at the playing field. The couple visit the country each year and have recently brought along the Vince Lombardi Super Bowl trophy and sports personalities, including former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue, NFL MVP Tom Brady, and Patriots players Richard Seymour and Benjamin Watson. During his most recent visit to Jerusalem in March, Robert Kraft viewed an IFL game and decided to lend his support. "I am thrilled to be in Israel watching tackle football for the first time," Kraft said that night. "I get a special feeling in my heart every time I hear Hatikva sung on a football field, and hope to help this sport grow in this country." The sponsorship deal includes a new league logo incorporating the Kraft name in its design, which combines the images of a tightly-spiraling football with the Israeli flag in its wake. The IFL's second season kicks off in November.