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Robert Kraft modeled the Patriots after Eddie DeBartolo's 49ers

When Robert Kraft took ownership of the New England Patriots in 1994, he had a distinct vision for his franchise.

“I wanted people to view us and look at us the way people looked at the 49ers,” Kraft told CSNBayArea.com during an interview this week.

More than two decades later, Kraft’s Patriots are the equivalent of the 49ers in the 1980s and ‘90s under Eddie DeBartolo.

The 49ers won each of their five Super Bowl appearances under DeBartolo’s ownership. During Kraft’s time in charge, the Patriots have won four of their seven Super Bowl showings, including four of six with coach Bill Belichick.