Culture does matter

The Krafts (Robert and Myra) laid the foundation for how the New England Patriots do business. While there are sometimes disagreements, there is always a level of respect. “You have to respect everyone in your business and everyone you do business with,” said Kraft, gesturing toward a woman who pushed a cart through the cafeteria. “From this woman doing that job all the way up to the players, you have to respect them.”

Since Kraft bought the Patriots in 1994, the team has compiled the best record in the league, won three Super Bowls and appeared in five (with a 5th round draft choice as QB, retread veterans, and a coach nobody wanted prior to arriving in New England). By contrast, the Cincinnati Bengals, despite being run by the son of NFL Hall of Famer Paul Brown, have amassed one of the worst records in the league over that time and made the playoffs only twice (losing the first game each time).

“The difference is everything,” Chad Ochocinco said. “It’s not just what you see on the field. I saw it in the first meeting. I was like, ‘Yeah, this is how a team is supposed to be run. Finally, I get to really be part of that.’ ”