Report: Rob Gronkowski got permission from Patriots for WrestleMania
How well is Rob Gronkowski’s rehab from his latest back surgery going? Well enough that the New England Patriots were comfortable with him playing a role in a wrestling match, apparently.
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports that Gronkowski received permission from the Patriots to take part in the Battle Royal at WrestleMania 33 on Sunday night. The role Gronk played was discussed with the team ahead of time and there was no objection.
As Florio notes, most NFL player contracts include a clause that states players cannot engage in physical activities outside of regular football training “which may involve a significant risk of personal injury.” Most of the time, the player needs to receive written permission to do so.
Gronkowski made a surprise appearance in the Battle Royal after Jinder Mahal splashed a drink on the star tight end, who was sitting ringside. Gronk then climbed into the ring and assumed a three-point stance, charged at Mahal, and delivered a vicious blow. You can see the video here.
If the Patriots did, in fact, sign off on Gronkowski’s WrestleMania appearance, you have to think they feel pretty good about where he’s at physically heading into the 2017 season.
