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Patriots owner Robert Kraft will auction off Super Bowl LI ring

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – FEBRUARY 05: Patriots owner Robert Kraft celebrates on Cambridge street during the New England Patriots Victory Parade on February 05, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

By Ty Anderson, 985TheSportsHub.com

As the world attempts its comeback from the COVID-19 pandemic, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft has decided to auction off something from the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history, his Super Bowl LI ring, as part of the All In Challenge.

Kraft, who has already made countless donations and charitable endeavors since the start of this pandemic, made the announcement in a video posted to social media on Sunday night.

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For Kraft, the decision to auction this ring took him 'weeks' because he wanted to find the right special item to auction off, and comes with a little symbolism to it given the health world's current battle with the coronavirus.

"I finally thought about our experience in Super Bowl LI against the Atlanta Falcons," Kraft began. "We were down 28-3 and had a 99.6% [chance] to lose. And we came back and we won.

"I thought about what is going on at this time and wanted to give something of extreme value in support of our health care workers. So I thought it would be good to give this ring, our fifth Super Bowl win, because it showed how we came back."

Hosted by Fanatics (Fanatics owner Michael Rubin launched the endeavor), the opening bid for Kraft's ring was $75,000, but was up to $330,000 at the last recorded bid overnight, according to the website.

"We're the greatest country in the world, with the greatest people, who feel a sense of team and work together in the toughest times," Kraft said. "I want to give this ring to someone who will be worthy enough to bid it up so we can get meals to all these people who are hurting badly at this time."

The All In Challenge has reportedly raised close to $40 million since it launched last month.

Ty Anderson is a writer and columnist for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Yell at him on Twitter: @_TyAnderson.