New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft hinted madly Monday that a certain All-Pro tight end who wears No. 87 and goes by “Gronk” will not be retiring.
(Have you figured out who we’re talking about yet?)
Kraft spoke to reporters Monday at the NFL Annual Meeting in Orlando, Fla. He was asked about Rob Gronkowski’s future after the tight end left it up in the air following the Patriots’ Super Bowl LII loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
“I saw him a few weeks ago come into the building after hours, so…,’’ Kraft said via The Boston Globe, confirming Gronkowski has been working out at Gillette Stadium.
“I should say one thing when it comes to Gronk. I’ve met a lot of people in my life, (but) I’ve never met anyone like him. If the good Lord lets us come back as someone (it should be him). I’ve said it before, he’s the most carefree, happy kind of guy.’’
Kraft also referenced a video that went viral over the weekend of Gronkowski jumping onto former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal’s shoulders during a dance off in Miami.
“I must say, I sort of got excited seeing him vault up on Shaq’s shoulders,’’ Kraft said. “For a guy that size to be able to hop up on a 7-foot-2-inch, or whatever Shaq is, is pretty cool. So, that speaks well about his potential athletic moves this coming year.’’
Hmm. Working out at Gillette, “potential athletic moves” — it doesn’t sound like Kraft is too worried about those retirement murmurs.
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was mum on Gronkowski’s status Sunday at the NFL Annual Meeting.
