We’re now officially into the month of April, and Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski still has not said if he intends to play football in 2018 or not. According to one player who is very familiar with the way things are done in New England, Gronk had better make up his mind in the near future.
In an appearance on ESPN’s “First Take” Monday morning, Tedy Bruschi said he is somewhat concerned that a player like Gronkowski is suddenly on the fence about playing. And with the offseason training program right around the corner, Bruschi believes it is time for Gronk to state his intentions.
“He has been all-in throughout his entire career, so this does concern me that he has not made a decision up until this point,” the former Patriots linebacker said. “We’re in April now. Offseason programs are about to start. Of course they’re going to want Gronkowski in the building, so he has to decide if he wants to be all-in still. This does worry me somewhat.”
Bruschi played for Belichick for nine seasons and was part of three championship teams during that stretch, so he knows as well as anyone about the things the future Hall of Fame coach expects. Even with a player who has made as big of an impact as Gronkowski, Bruschi is confident Belichick will not make any exceptions.
“This man will not change,” Bruschi said. “Bill Belichick will not change his approach or how he treats players.”
That could be part of the problem for Gronkowski. While recent reports have indicated Gronk is expected to play next season, there has been talk that he is frustrated with the culture in New England. That could tie in with some of the issues Belichick is having with Tom Brady, but it doesn’t mean Belichick is going to change what has worked for him for so long. If Gronkowski isn’t willing to buy in, it’s not out of the question that he could be traded.
