Patriots Owner Surprises Family of Fallen Massachusetts Police Officer with Super Bowl Tickets

Robert Kraft gifts Super Bowl LX tickets to the family of late Uxbridge officer Stephen LaPorta

Jan. 28, 2026 at 5:47pm

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The family of fallen Uxbridge, Massachusetts, police officer Stephen LaPorta received a special surprise from New England Patriots Owner Robert Kraft on Tuesday. Kraft surprised Shannon and Matthew LaPorta with a pair of Super Bowl LX tickets, where the Patriots will take on the Seattle Seahawks in Santa Clara, California, telling them "We're sending you there in Dad's honor."

Why it matters

The gesture by Patriots owner Robert Kraft provides comfort and support to the family of Officer LaPorta, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty while responding to multiple crashes on an icy road. Kraft's gift allows the family to attend the Super Bowl in honor of their loved one, a meaningful gesture that highlights the Patriots' commitment to their local community.

The details

Stephen LaPorta was helping respond to reports of multiple crashes on Jan. 7 when he was struck by a tractor-trailer while outside of his cruiser helping another driver. The roads were icy at the time of the collision, and LaPorta was pronounced dead at the scene. Hundreds gathered at his funeral, remembering LaPorta as a loving husband, father, and member of the community.

  • On January 7, 2026, Officer Stephen LaPorta was struck and killed while responding to multiple crashes on an icy road.
  • On January 28, 2026, Patriots owner Robert Kraft surprised LaPorta's family with Super Bowl LX tickets.

The players

Robert Kraft

The owner of the New England Patriots NFL team.

Stephen LaPorta

An Uxbridge, Massachusetts police officer who was killed in the line of duty while responding to multiple crashes on an icy road.

Shannon LaPorta

The wife of the late Officer Stephen LaPorta.

Matthew LaPorta

The son of the late Officer Stephen LaPorta.

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What they’re saying

“We're sending you there in Dad's honor.”

— Robert Kraft (Patriots X)

What’s next

The Patriots will take on the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX on February 2, 2026 in Santa Clara, California.

The takeaway

Robert Kraft's gesture of gifting Super Bowl tickets to the family of the fallen Uxbridge police officer exemplifies the Patriots' commitment to supporting their local community, even in the face of tragedy. This heartwarming act provides comfort to the LaPorta family and honors the memory of Officer LaPorta, who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the public.