New England Patriots

Rob Gronkowski ‘knew the whole time’ he’d be ready for Super Bowl

Rob Gronkowski was a limited participant in the Patriots' pre-Super Bowl practice on Wednesday.

By Matt Pepin

1 minute to read

Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski has been cleared from the NFL’s concussion protocol, and was listed as a full participant in Thursday’s practice.

“I’m just excited to get back out there on the field. It’s one more opportunity to go out there and play the game I love to play,” Gronkowski said. “I knew I was going to be playing the whole time, but I was just obviously being cautious, too.”

Gronkowski, who suffered a concussion in the AFC Championship Game, spoke to the media at the Patriots’ final availability prior to Sunday’s Super Bowl. He said he does not hold a grudge against Barry Church, the Jacksonville player who initiated the helmet-to-helmet contact that concussed Gronkowski.

Advertisement:

“It’s football. It is what it is. I mean, it’s a split second to make a decision. It’s running full speed one way, I’m going the other way. It’s just part of the game. It happens. Just got to move on,” he said.

Gronkowski also said he had no limitations.

“I’m cleared, I’m ready to roll,” he said. “I’ll be full speed, taking on hits, blocking, running routes, whatever it’ll be.”

Gronkowski on Monday said he expected to play in the Super Bowl. He was listed as having limited participation in practice on Wednesday, and was photographed in a helmet and pads at the team’s practice on Thursday.

“I’m just happy to be back out there with the boys,” Gronkowski said.