Rob Gronkowski Credits Patriots’ Career Development To Key Defender

BOSTON — Rob Gronkowski made his impact early as a rookie with the New England Patriots in 2010.

The Arizona product had mentors all around the field from head coach Bill Belichick to quarterback Tom Brady to experienced veteran tight end Alge Crumpler. When Gronkowski reflects on his early years in the NFL, he chose to credit linebacker Rob Ninkovich for helping him grow as a professional.

It’s a big reason why Gronkowski tabbed Ninkovich to introduce him for a football legacy award, which honors his legendary Patriots career, through “The Tradition” in November.

“It was definitely a no-brainer,” Gronkowski told reporters before “The Tradition” at TD Garden. “It was really cool they let me choose something as well. Ninkovich, we go way back. Without Ninkovich, I wouldn’t have been the player that I was. I’m being serious. We used to go at it in the run game, 1-on-1’s. … It is like this. We make the best of it. That’s what we were like on the practice field. Just back-and-forth all the time, passing game and running game.”

“When he was a rookie, he would destroy me,” Ninkovich told reporters before “The Tradition.” “Now, I feel OK. Now that he’s going to be receiving all these awards, it makes me feel better.”

The Patriots teammates spent seven seasons together in New England, allowing Ninkovich to earn an up-close look at a historic tight end and win two championships of his own.

“The way his first two years went, it was impressive to see his practice reps,” Ninkovich added. “The game was easy. It was simple.”

“The Tradition” airs Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. ET on NESN.