Rob Gronkowski’s brother says TE’s back surgery ‘wasn’t as major’ this time

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski recently underwent his third back surgery since 2009, and there has been some concern over whether he will ever be the same player again. Gronkowski’s older brother, Dan, tried to put some of that speculation to rest this week.

In an appearance on WCVB in Boston Wednesday to promote the new “Gronk Fitness Program,” Dan Gronkowski said Rob’s latest back surgery was not as serious as the first two.

“It wasn’t as major as his other back surgeries, so I think he actually felt better after the surgery because it takes some pressure off,” the elder Gronk brother said, as transcribed by Ryan Hannable of WEEI.com. “He’s always a goof ball. You guys know that by now, but he likes to work hard. He’ll get back into shape.”

Dan, who spent five years in the NFL himself, then went on to explain how Rob prefers the workouts that are part of the “Gronk Fitness Program” rather than lifting a large amount of weight. Those exercises include using push sleds, jumping on plyo boxes and working with lighter weights.

When asked specifically if Rob is feeling better since going under the knife, Dan reassured Patriots fans.

“He is definitely doing better, yes,” he said.

No one outside of Gronkowski and his doctors knows exactly what is going on with the All-Pro tight end’s latest injury, so commentary we heard from doctors like this one could be overreaction at this point. According to one report, the Patriots are expecting business as usual from their most dangerous pass-catcher when he returns next season.