Sign up for the Today newsletter
Get everything you need to know to start your day, delivered right to your inbox every morning.
Rob Gronkowski discussed why ending up with Bill Belichick, Patriots was ‘perfect fit’
"He's the one who took my game to a whole new level," Gronkowski said of Belichick, adding that he thinks his former coach will be "unbelievable" as a television analyst.
Rob Gronkowski reflected on influence of Bill Belichick: Though he was initially seen as a somewhat unknown quantity by NFL scouts, Rob Gronkowski eventually developed into one of the greatest tight ends of all time.
Gronkowski, who played the first nine years of his legendary career with the Patriots and became a four-time All-Pro, recently looked back on the importance that longtime New England head coach Bill Belichick played in his maturation into one of the league’s elite players.
“He’s the one who took my game to a whole new level,” Gronkowski explained during a recent appearance on “The Ryen Russillo Podcast.” Picked in the second round of the 2010 draft by New England, Gronkowski was initially seen as a high-upside prospect given his talent, though injuries had limited him during his collegiate career.
Advertisement:
But thanks to Belichick, Tom Brady, and the rest of New England’s program, Gronkowski reached his full potential. In just his second season, he notched 17 receiving touchdowns (a single season record for NFL tight ends).
Asked if he thinks he would’ve been a different player had he ended up in another location to begin his career, Gronkowski provided some context.
“In a way, definitely,” he began. “I feel like going to New England was actually the best thing for me. I would not have changed my first nine years in the NFL being here in New England. I kind of was a freelancer a little bit. I like that structure of a program. I like that discipline that Coach Belichick has. It’s more old school, and I feel like it was a perfect fit for me.
Advertisement:
“That’s what I needed early in my career,” Gronkowski concluded, pointing to other benefits of being alongside the experience of Belichick.
“How knows the playbooks, he knows the rule books, he knows the defensive side of the ball, the offensive side of the ball, the special teams aspects of the game like no one else,” said the former Patriots tight end.
Looking to Belichick’s new role in media in his post-Patriots career, Gronkowski thinks his former boss will be well-suited given his knowledge.
“He’s going to be able to share his knowledge, and he’s going to [be] unbelievable.”
As for Belichick’s burgeoning number of media partnerships in 2024, Gronkowski was slightly caught off-guard.
“Definitely more surprised that Coach Belichick is going to be in the media,” Gronkowski noted, “but what I’m really surprised at is how many different networks he’s going to be working for this year.
“I’m just kind of worried that he’s not going to have any down time.”
Trivia: Rob Gronkowski was the second tight end drafted in 2010. Can you name the first to come off the board at the 2010 NFL Draft?
(Answer at the bottom).
Hint: He was picked 21st by the Bengals, and played his entire nine-year career with Cincinnati and Arizona.
Advertisement:
More from Boston.com:
- Red Sox fall to Orioles 4-2 in Baltimore for a series split
- Why the Patriots reportedly traded Matthew Judon to Falcons over Bears
- Former NFL player, Wakefield resident, arrested in Boston Logan Airport, authorities say
- ‘He’s turning a corner’: Multiple Patriots players have noticed Drake Maye ‘progressing’ in training camp
- Red Sox reportedly promote breakout prospect dubbed ‘Barry Bonds’ to Triple-A Worcester
- Jayson Tatum throws out first pitch at Cardinals game alongside Bruins foe Matthew Tkachuk
- Red Sox’ top prospects offer up scouting report of each other on cusp of MLB
- Eliot Wolf believes Patriots will be ‘aggressive’ on waivers following cutdown day
- Eliot Wolf remains ‘excited’ about Patriots’ offensive line, just searching for ‘correct combination’
Revolution’s eMLS’s competitor wins title: João “Jafonso” Vasconcelos, who represents the Revolution at the eMLS level, emerged victorious at the 2024 Esports World Cup on Sunday, winning the EA Sports FC 24 competition.
Jafonso was a semifinalist earlier in the year at the officially sanctioned FC Pro World Championships.
Vikings add Gilmore: Minnesota has reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with former Patriots quarterback Stephon Gilmore.
On this day: In 1967, the Red Sox held off the Angels to win 12-11 at Fenway Park.
Carl Yastrzemski went 4-for-5 including his 29th home run of the season to lead Boston to the win.
Daily highlight: Erling Haaland got off to a fast start in the Premier League’s opening weekend, deftly maneuvering into position before applying the finish in Manchester City’s 2-0 win over Chelsea on Sunday.
Trivia answer: Jermaine Gresham
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com