 Through her work with the Patriots Charitable Foundation, Kraft became known as the matriarch of the franchise, providing leadership by her example of volunteerism and helping others in need.Shortly after the 1996 NFL Draft, Kraft learned that the Patriots' fifth-round choice, Christian Peter of Nebraska, had a lengthy history of violence against women.At her insistence, coupled by backlash from women's groups and Patriots fans against Peter's signing, the Patriots relinquished Peter's rights only a week after the draft.