Kraft Confirms Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski Will Attend Patriots Minicamp
The Patriots owner sounds confident about his quarterback and tight end showing up soon.
Robert Kraft, Rob Gronkowski, and Tom Brady walk onto the field carrying Vince Lombardi trophies before an Opening Day game between the Boston Red Sox and Pittsburgh Pirates at Fenway Park on April 3, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)The Patriots officially know when they'll be getting their Hall of Fame quarterback and tight end back.
Robert Kraft said at the NFL's spring league meeting in Atlanta on Tuesday that he expects both Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski to attend Patriots mandatory minicamp from June 5-7. Neither have reported to the Pats during phase three of organized team activities, which started with sessions on Monday and Tuesday at Gillette Stadium.
Via Christopher Price of the Boston Sports Journal, Kraft added that Brady is "very excited about being at minicamp and having a very special season this year." The Patriots owner said that he's been in contact with Brady about his plans during the offseason. Kraft noted Brady's commitment to his family while he has time to do so before the season, and also stressed the fact that OTAs are not mandatory.
"These are voluntary workouts," Kraft said, per BSJ. "[Brady's] in great shape. I think he’s at an age ... I was thinking back to when he joined us. He’s blessed to have three children now. He’s built a number of businesses and has certain responsibilities. I think it’s very hard for him to fulfill those during the season."
Per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, when asked about Brady's relationship with head coach Bill Belichick, Kraft said: "Nothing's changed. Everything is good."
(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)Tom Brady and Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots shake hands at the start of the AFC Divisional Playoff Game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Gillette Stadium on Jan. 16, 2016. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Kraft also said confidently that Gronkowski would attend minicamp, after also skipping OTAs. The underlying issue for Gronkowski has reportedly been his contract, which he is currently working on restructuring with the Patriots.
"I’m pretty sure he’ll be there as well," Kraft said, via BSJ. "We all love Gronk."
The Boston Herald's Karen Guregian reported on Tuesday that both Brady and Gronkowski trained at the TB12 Center while their Patriots teammates practiced at OTAs. The Sports Hub's own Scott Zolak repudiated the report, calling it "100 percent inaccurate" and adding that Brady would not be in the United States on Wednesday.
Greg Bedard of BSJ reported on Tuesday that Brady would not attend any Patriots offseason practices outside of June's mandatory minicamp. Gronkowski's attendance, however, could simply be contingent on a new contract.
Click here for all Patriots updates from 98.5 The Sports Hub.
