Robert Kraft hopes Diddy becomes NFL owner

Hip-hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs was among those who submitted a bid to purchase the Carolina Panthers, eventually losing out to hedge fund manager David Tepper.

But if Combs attempts to buy another NFL franchise, he'll have the support of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft.

"I hope so. I'm a big fan of his," Kraft told TMZ Sports on Saturday when asked if he thinks Combs will ever become an owner.

TMZ also asked Combs if he thinks ownership is a possibility.

"It's time. It's definitely time," he replied.

That comment is a change from last June, when Combs distanced himself from the NFL after the league introduced its short-lived national anthem policy. "I don't want to be associated with oppressing black men," Combs said at the time.