I could kill for this: Super Bowl ring that even president Putin couldn't resist

The Super Bowl ring is one of the most prestigious and valuable awards in the NFL, a symbol of a team’s hard-fought victory and dedication. For players, it represents the culmination of years of struggle and commitment. However, in a bizarre turn of events, Russian President Vladimir Putin became infamous not for winning a Super Bowl ring, but for allegedly taking one. The story of how he ended up with the New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft’s prized possession remains one of the most intriguing tales in sports history.

The 2005 Super Bowl ring controversy

In 2005, Robert Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots, traveled to Russia as part of a U.S. business delegation. Among his prized possessions was the Super Bowl XXXIX championship ring, which he proudly carried with him. During his meeting with Putin, Kraft decided to show him the ring.

Putin tried it on, admired it, and then made a shocking remark: “I could kill someone with this ring.” As Kraft reached out to take it back, Putin casually slipped the ring into his pocket. Almost immediately, three KGB agents surrounded him, making it clear that the ring was no longer Kraft’s possession.

Failed attempts to retrieve the ring

Kraft was determined to reclaim his ring, but his hopes were soon dashed when the White House intervened. He received a call advising him that escalating the issue over the Super Bowl ring was not in the best interest of U.S.-Russia relations. In a diplomatic move, he publicly declared that the ring was a gift to Russia as a token of respect and admiration for President Putin.

Kraft later stated, “I gave it as a symbol of my appreciation for the Russian people and their leadership.”

Putin denies theft

Despite the controversy, Putin denied ever stealing the ring. Years later, the ring was seen on display in the Kremlin, listed among Russia’s state gifts. In 2013, Putin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, dismissed the claims, stating, “I was standing behind the president in 2005, and I saw the ring being presented to him. Any other interpretation of the event is a matter for psychological experts.”

To further pacify the situation, Peskov even suggested that Putin would be happy to buy Kraft another ring as compensation.

A humorous twist

While the incident created a media frenzy, Kraft eventually took it in stride. He called it a humorous and memorable story that he enjoys sharing. Instead of resentment, he expressed satisfaction that his Super Bowl ring rests in the Kremlin, symbolizing a unique chapter in sports history and diplomatic relations.