Patriots owner Robert Kraft sends fallen Massachusetts officer’s family to the Super Bowl
A Massachusetts mother and her teenage son are heading to the Super Bowl after a private act of recognition from Robert Kraft, honoring a police officer killed while serving his community.
Stephen LaPorta, an officer with the Uxbridge Police Department, died at age 43 in the early morning hours of January 7 after being struck by a tractor trailer while assisting a motorist on the northbound lanes of Route 146. The crash remains under investigation. LaPorta was a devoted Patriots fan, a fact well known inside his department and his community.
LaPorta’s wife Shannon and their 13-year-old son Matthew were invited to Gillette Stadium, believing they were simply touring team facilities. Instead, they were brought in to meet Kraft, who told them they would be sent to the Super Bowl in Santa Clara to support the New England Patriots in honor of Stephen.
The moment was captured in a video later shared by the Patriots. Shannon LaPorta became visibly emotional as the surprise was revealed, while Matthew reacted with disbelief and excitement. Kraft made clear the trip was intended as a tribute to their husband and father.
LaPorta had recently achieved what his department described as a lifelong goal, earning a full-time patrol position after previously working as a dispatcher and part-time officer. He proudly wore badge number 31.
The Uxbridge Police Department publicly reacted to the gesture, calling it overwhelming and an extraordinary way to honor their fallen colleague. LaPorta’s name and badge number have followed the Patriots throughout their playoff run, including a pregame moment of silence before a postseason game earlier this month.
Stephen LaPorta was remembered as a devoted Boston sports fan who followed the Patriots, Bruins, and Red Sox closely. He was also deeply connected to music and family life, interests that sat alongside his commitment to public service.
For his family, the Super Bowl trip was not about football alone. It was a public acknowledgment that his sacrifice was seen, remembered, and honored at the highest level of the organization he loved.
