Ahead of his team's latest Super Bowl appearance, Patriots owner Robert Kraft said Wednesday in Minneapolis he thinks the Panthers should absolutely stay in Charlotte under new ownership going forward.

Kraft, who took over New England around the same time Panthers owner Jerry Richardson brought the Panthers into the league in 1995, said a new owner would find great difficulty getting the required number of votes for a potential relocation.

“I’d be very surprised if someone would try to move that team,” Kraft said, via Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer. “First of all, Charlotte’s an amazing area. ... It’s an area of growth. The fans there have been great.

“I think a new owner would have a very tough time getting 24 votes to move the team.”

The Rams, Chargers and Raiders have each decided to move to new locations in recent years, but each of those franchises had problems with either their attendance or stadiums the Panthers don't.

Kraft also had nothing but positive things to say about Richardson, despite the recent emergence of sexual and racial workplace allegations that led to his selling of the team.

“I came into the league the same time as Jerry Richardson,” Kraft continued with the Observer. “He’s one of the best guys I’ve ever met. He’s a wonderful guy. He’s been a great partner and the way I know him he’s a classy, wonderful guy."