Patriots’ Gronkowski Dismisses Trade Rumors: ‘I’m Here To Stay’
The New England Patriots had just defeated the Houston Texans by a 27-20 final, with Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski undoubtedly playing a massive part behind seven catches for 123 yards and a season-opening touchdown grab.
But it seemed as if everybody wanted to instead talk to the superstar tight end about the report from earlier in the day that detailed — or at least gave the first real details — of his seemingly turbulent offseason in New England. Per the report, the Patriots were allegedly engaged on serious talks to trade the 29-year-old tight end before Gronkowski blocked a trade and indicated to the team that he would retire before he donned a different jersey. How this found a way to leak out on the first day of the regular season and not at any point during the offseason and/or training camp is rather incredible, to say the least.
Still, this confused Gronkowski when the questions came after the aforementioned final horn at Gillette Stadium.
“I was wondering why they asked me that on the field right after the game,” Gronkowski, who reworked his current contract with the Patriots just a few weeks ago, admitted. “I was like, ‘Where is this coming from again?’”
Gronkowski did essentially back up what the report had indicated, though, when talking about his situation with the Patriots.
“I’m just glad to be here, glad to be part of this team, glad to be part of this organization and all that talk, all that stuff, I mean I would love to put it in the past,” said Gronkowski. “Whatever it is, whatever reports keep coming out because I’m here and I’m here to stay and I’m here to keep playing ball with the Patriots and just enjoying my time here.”
Gronkowski and the Patriots will take their act to Jacksonville next Sunday for an AFC Championship Game rematch against Jalen Ramsey and the Jaguars. The game can be heard on 98.5 The Sports Hub at 4:25 p.m.
