Brady on Gronk: ‘It’s hard to see your friends get taken down like that’

Tom Brady reacts to a holding call by the referee in the fourth quarter. Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

By Henry McKenna @McKennAnalysis

November 30, 2015

2 minutes to read

Tom Brady was fired up during the Patriots’ 30-24 loss to the Broncos. He was apparently frustrated with officials and his offensive line. But the injury to Rob Gronkowski stopped Brady in his tracks — the quarterback hung his head with a heartbroken look.

“He’s the best tight end in football,’’ Tom Brady said after the game, via The Boston Globe. “It’s so hard to see these guys get hurt like this and I always have a lot of respect for players who play this game because you risk a lot to play. I think a lot of times that gets overlooked. You sacrifice a lot. Guys sacrifice their bodies. It’s hard to see your friends get taken down like that. It’s part of the sport and we understand that.’’

He added, via NFL.com: “I don’t think it’s dirty, I just think that’s the way football is being played now.’’

Bill Belichick did not have an update on the injury, but reports from ESPN and NFL Network say it doesn’t appear serious. Gronkowksi was also seen walking out of the X-ray room with a slight limp, and then around the locker room without a brace. The tight end will reportedly get an MRI of his knee Monday morning, according to

ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter.

“We think he is going to be ok,’’ a source told Schefter.

While optimism begins to surround Gronkowski’s health, Brady was quick to acknowledge the next man up: tight end Scott Chandler, who had five catches for 58 yards and a touchdown.

“We will need to rely on him quite a bit,’’ Brady said, via The Providence Journal. “He is going to be a major contributor for our team. It was good to see him do that and we will see how it will go going forward.’’

And Gronkowski’s excellent night on the field — which included his 63rd touchdown, more than any tight end in Hall of Fame — was swallowed by the news of his departure from the field.

“He’s been through a lot. He’s a tough guy,’’ Brady said. “Hopefully it’s not too serious. We’ll see. All our fingers are crossed.’’

After Gronkowski left the game in the fourth quarter, the Broncos took their first lead of the game. Brady orchestrated a game-tying drive, which sent the game into overtime, but the Broncos ended it with a 48-yard C.J. Anderson touchdown run.

Brady said on “Dennis and Callahan’’ Monday: “Tough game, tough game… This one hurts.’’