Guys like Robert Kraft got where they are by taking the long view. The funny thing is, most of the Patriots fans slamming the owner over the past couple days usually do the same thing.

The owner surprised and disappointed many when he announced Tuesday he would not appeal the NFL sanctions against the team.

But how many times in the past 15 years have Pats fans been the ones lecturing the skeptics when the team has made surprising or disappointing moves, telling them to have faith? How often have these seemingly questionable personnel decisions ended up paying off?

Letting Logan Mankins go worked out just fine. Anyone miss Wes Welker? Drafting Jimmy Garoppolo and being proactive with the backup quarterback position will pay dividends in keeping the team afloat if Brady ends up suspended this fall. In fact, many fans hailed the drafting of Jimmy G as a sign the team was already thinking about life, and continued success, after No. 12.

It’s the same rationale used to justify letting Darrelle Revis leave this off-season.

And this hugely unpopular decision by Kraft will ultimately come back to benefit the team.

Of course, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said yesterday Kraft’s announcement would have no impact on whether Tom Brady’s suspension would be reduced. But what else would he say? There are reports of “back channeling” and closed door talks between the commish and the Pats, and it’s hard to imagine Brady’s name didn’t come up.

But that’s in the short term — let’s take the long view.

The NFL moved the draft from New York to Chicago this past fall. Why not a draft in Boston? The league is open to cold weather, outdoor Super Bowl sites. How about having the Big Game at Gillette Stadium?

And Kraft sits on a number of league committees. He’s always had the power, and now has a little extra goodwill from his fellow owners, to help broker advantageous deals for the Patriots.

Guys like Redskins owner Dan Snyder, who has dug in on changing his team’s controversial name, make life a little harder for the league. A lot of people think Snyder is in the right, just as many feel Kraft would have been had he fought the league.

Instead, he chose to make life a little easier for his 31 compatriots. Taking the high road here will help the team at some point in the future.

In that … and in Kraft … Patriots fans should trust.

Chris Villani is the co-host of Sports Town on Boston Herald Radio. Follow him on Twitter @ChrisVillani44