Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski didn’t attend voluntary workout sessions last month, but he will show up for mandatory minicamp next week, as he confirmed to reporters at a charity event on Sunday, per CBS Boston.
“We’ve got mandatory minicamp this week,” Gronkowski said. “So I’ll be there this week. I’ll be full go. I’m looking forward to it. Can’t wait to get back to work. I’m excited.”
While Gronkowski hasn’t publicly addressed his motivation behind skipping organized team activities, his contract situation is likely a key factor. Gronk, who is signed through the 2019 campaign, is scheduled to earn an $8MM base salary in 2018, but New England is reportedly working on “tweaking” his deal. The Patriots are expected to add some sort of incentive package to Gronkowski’s pact, as they did in 2017.
Gronkowski, of course, has had an eventful offseason, and reportedly considered retirement after battling a variety of health issues. In 2017, Gronk was on the field for 14 games, and managed 69 receptions, 1,084 yards, and eight touchdowns, all of which placed him within the top-five among tight ends.
Maybe he just didn’t want to go cuz it’s voluntary? I think sometimes people read too much into players skipping voluntary practices.
He would have attended had Brady been at the voluntary practices. He’s going to follow Brady no matter what. He’s got no brains, he’s got no leadership skills. He’s a follower and a clown.
Great skills are not all the Patriots are about. Gronk’s character, if he had any, is now degraded since fame has gotten to his head. I think he’s more of a liability than an asset at this point.
Thank you for the honor of your presence, dodo.