Rob Gronkowski didn’t get to play during the Patriots’ run to their Super Bowl LI victory. But he’s still enjoying the fact that he’s a Super Bowl champion yet again, and he couldn’t have been happier to see Roger Goodell hand the Lombardi Trophy over to his team.
“It was great to see him hand over that trophy, for sure,” Gronk said in an interview with ESPN. “I was super happy for Tom (Brady).”
Goodell, of course, has famously not been back to Gillette Stadium since the game that kicked off the Deflategate controversy, and according to Gronk, that’s probably a good thing. He doesn’t think Goodell would even make it to the stadium if he landed in Boston and tried to drive there.
Rob Gronkowski went in on Roger Goodell when asked in an ESPN interview if the commish would be welcome in Foxboro. https://t.co/tx72mlslS5 pic.twitter.com/LTk5F62bkM
— Zack Cox (@ZackCoxNESN) February 24, 2017
That’s probably a little bit of an exaggeration, but knowing the disdain many Patriots fans have for the commissioner, not all that much of one. If they don’t want Goodell on the field in Foxborough, though, they surely want Gronk there. Asked if he’ll be ready by the start of next season, his answer was simple: “No doubt.”
As for anything beyond that, “I’m not really sure,” Gronkowski said. “I mean, I still love playing the game and as of right now I want to play as long as I possibly could play. My mindset is to keep on going.”
Gronkowski will turn 28 years old this offseason and is already one of the best tight ends in the history of football. He’s got monster numbers and makes a huge impact whenever he’s on the field, but he’s also dealt with several serious injuries throughout his career. He may not have more than a few years left, but whatever he’s got in the tank, the Pats are sure to take advantage of it.
