BOSTON (AP) — Columbia University officials say they’ll induct New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft into the New York City school’s sports hall of fame this year.

The 1963 Columbia graduate played on the university’s freshman football team in 1959, and on the varsity lightweight football team in 1960.

An injury Kraft suffered during his junior year ended his playing time for the school.

The university’s Intercollegiate athletics director called Kraft “a leader in every sense of the word,” saying he excelled at the school as he has in his professional career.

Since Kraft bought the Patriots in 1994, the NFL franchise has won three Super Bowls.

He also founded the New England Revolution soccer franchise.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.