New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski is no stranger to success. In his time with the Patriots, he has earned five Pro Bowl selections and five All-Pro selections. He is a two-time Super Bowl Champion and was a starter in the Patriots’ Super Bowl XLIX victory. He has legions of adoring fans in New England. His cross-over appeal has successfully translated into mainstream entertainment (more on that in a moment).
It might be safe to say that life is good for Rob Gronkowski.
Unfortunately, Gronkowski is also no stranger to injury. Since his days at the University of Arizona, he has fought the injury bug time and time again. As an Arizona Wildcat, he missed his entire junior year at Arizona (2009) following surgery for a bulging disk in his back. According to his book “It’s Good to be Gronk,” an MRI revealed that Gronkowski had a badly ruptured disk that was damaging nerves in his spinal cord. It seems to be the consensus that this caused his draft stock to drop. The Patriots drafted Gronkowski in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft with the 42nd pick.
Throughout his professional career, he has had major and multiple surgeries on his forearm, back and knee. As a result of injuries, he has missed 22 regular-season games (excluding playoffs) over the past five seasons. In 2016, Gronkowski underwent his third major back surgery. He missed the remainder of the regular season and playoffs, including the Patriots championship victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI.

A New Day
For all the praise he has earned based on his talent, there have always been underlying issues regarding his health. Its almost seemed that a “what-if” aura surrounded the supremely-talented tight end. Though his injuries were of little-to-no fault of his own, it was the unspoken sentiment of the fans, and media alike, that Gronkowski’s injury fate would be more favorable if he took better care of himself.
To Gronkowski’s credit, he did just that starting in the Spring of 2017.
Following his latest back surgery, Gronkowski decided to take action to prioritize his health. He made significant changes in his diet, training regimen and lifestyle. In March 2017, he started working out at the TB12 Center with trainer Alex Guerrero. Guerrero also happens to be the trainer/lifestyle guru for quarterback Tom Brady.
Under Guerrero’s tutelage, Gronkowski made a concerted effort to embrace a natural and holistic workout routine, recovery and diet. As a result, Gronkowski enjoyed a much healthier season than in past years. In accordance with the goals of the TB12 method, Gronkowski has been leaner and more pliable. With the exception of a minor mid-season leg contusion and a postseason concussion, Gronkowski was predominately healthy in 2017.
The difference in Gronkowski was palpable. In fact, the Providence Journal’s Mark Daniels approached Gronkowski during the season about his decision to embrace the TB12 method and its positive effect on him. Although Daniels has stated that the Patriots tried to stop him from writing about the TB12 method [per Daniels, the team had told him that it was against team policy to discuss a player’s training and conditioning methods], Gronkowski did not remain silent. The tight end was so proud of his progress that he provided Daniels with the details anyway.
By season’s end, Gronkowski had caught 69 passes for 1,084 yards and eight touchdowns. He earned First Team All-Pro status for the fourth time of his certain-to-be Hall of Fame career. He also caught 11 passes in Super Bowl LII for 116 yards and two touchdowns.
Quid Pro Quo
Despite having an outstanding season, a report surfaced on Tuesday that Gronkowski had seriously considered retirement as early as 2017 training camp. On Super Bowl Sunday, Pro Football Talk had speculated that Gronkowski might retire after the game. Gronkowski was asked about that possibility after the Patriots lost to the Eagles, and he said he’d take some time to think about his future.
-
Ep 38: Tyreek Hill Traded To The Dolphins
by Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2022 at 12:10 am
However, according to NBC Sports Boston’s Tom E. Curran, Gronkowski did not enjoy himself during the season and was growing increasingly frustrated. Throughout the season, he had supposedly been seeking treatment and conditioning advice from Guerrero instead of the team’s training staff. This apparently caused some tension between Gronkowski and the Patriots wellness staff.
Curran stated:
“(Gronkowski) did not have a good time despite the fact his body was in a better situation than it’s been in a long time — ever maybe. Despite the fact that he’s one of the most dominant players at any skill position, it’s starting to wear on him physically, mentally, the atmosphere in New England.”
Gronkowski’s newfound wellness approach has likely caused him to evaluate his long-term health. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that someone with his injury history has at least considered the possibility of retirement. When taking into account any additional frustrations with the team, choosing to retire almost seems like a foregone conclusion.
However, it should be duly noted that Gronkowski likely would not have taken these steps if he was not serious about extending his playing career. He has certainly seen the positive impact Guerrero’s methods have had on Brady. Gronkowski decided he wanted to be more like his quarterback, and the decision is paying healthy dividends (pun intended.)

The irony here is that Gronkowski’s decision to improve his health is one that benefits the team, as well as himself. Regardless of the methods he chooses, Gronkowski is making decisions that will extend his playing career, as well as the Patriots window for championship contention. When healthy, there is no more dynamic nor dominant force on a football field than Rob Gronkowski. Anyone that watches the man play cannot deny his significance to the Patriots’ title chances. It is true that they won a Super Bowl despite his absence. However, a strong argument can be made that they would not have made the trip to Minnesota this year had it not been for Gronkowski.
Return of the Gronk?
After taking several weeks to ponder retirement (and/or consider a career in professional wrestling or acting,) Rob Gronkowski has apparently decided to play football again. On Wednesday, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Gronkowski will indeed return to the field for the 2018 season. ESPN’s Adam Schefter echoed the report later in the day, as well.
Officially, no formal statement has been issued. His agents, Drew and Jason Rosenhaus declined to comment on his situation, stating: “We’re not going to talk about that. That’s personal.” Even Gronkowski himself took to Twitter on Wednesday, posting a vague tweet that read “#Clueless”.
Despite the cryptic nature of these reports, all signs seem to point in the direction of Gronkowski’s return to Foxboro for 2018. Whether there is, indeed, a divide between the team and Gronkowski when it comes to training and conditioning is still a matter of debate. Only time will tell if this will help or hinder possible negotiations for a contract extension, or even his playing status.
However, one thing is certain. Rob Gronkowski has made positive changes off the field that have led to positive results on the field. He has seen the benefits, as have the New England Patriots. If he truly is returning to action this season, perhaps all parties involved would be best served by remembering that a healthy Gronk is the best Gronk.
It’s what is best for the team.
Where have we heard that before?
Oh yeah….it can be heard any given Sunday in Foxboro.
–Mike D’Abate is a Managing Editor and National Columnist for Full Press Coverage Sports Media. He covers the New England Patriots and the AFC East. Follow him on Twitter @mdabateFPC
-
Ep 111: Joe Horrigan Returns To Remember Vietnam Veteran And Former Bills OT Bob Kalsuby Full Press Coverage on May 25, 2022 at 9:25 pm
As we approach Memorial Day, Joe Horrigan returns to the show to talk to […]
-
Ep 110: New Playoff Teams In 2022; Best Matchups On NFL Scehduleby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 3:42 am
Clark, Ira, and Ian give their four teams that didn't make the NFL […]
-
Ep 109: Hall of Fame Voter Ed Bouchette Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 12, 2022 at 6:28 pm
Long time Steelers writer and current Hall of Fame voter, Ed Bouchette […]
-
Ep 108: Hall of Famer Bryant Young Returns To The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 6, 2022 at 1:45 am
Pro Football Hall of Famer Bryant Young returns to the show to talk with […]
-
Ep 107: Pro Football HOF President Jim Porter Returns To The Showby Full Press Coverage on April 27, 2022 at 6:58 pm
Clark and Ira are once again joined by the Pro Football Hall of Fame's […]
-
Ep 106: Remembering Pat Tillman w/ Former Cardinals Coach Dave McGinnisby Full Press Coverage on April 21, 2022 at 12:43 pm
Former Cardinals head coach Dave McGinnis joins Clark and Ira to remember […]
-
Ep 105: Who Are The Top 5 Quarterbacks of All Time?by Full Press Coverage on April 15, 2022 at 12:46 am
Who is the most underrated quarterback of all time? The most overrated? […]
-
Ep 104: John McClain Joins The Show To Talk Retirement and Houston Sportsby Full Press Coverage on April 8, 2022 at 2:50 am
Former Texans beat reporter for the Houston Chronicle, John McClain, joins […]
-
Ep 111: Joe Horrigan Returns To Remember Vietnam Veteran And Former Bills OT Bob Kalsuby Full Press Coverage on May 25, 2022 at 9:25 pm
As we approach Memorial Day, Joe Horrigan returns to the show to talk to […]
-
Ep 110: New Playoff Teams In 2022; Best Matchups On NFL Scehduleby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 3:42 am
Clark, Ira, and Ian give their four teams that didn't make the NFL […]
-
Ep 109: Hall of Fame Voter Ed Bouchette Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 12, 2022 at 6:28 pm
Long time Steelers writer and current Hall of Fame voter, Ed Bouchette […]
-
Ep 108: Hall of Famer Bryant Young Returns To The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 6, 2022 at 1:45 am
Pro Football Hall of Famer Bryant Young returns to the show to talk with […]
-
Ep 107: Pro Football HOF President Jim Porter Returns To The Showby Full Press Coverage on April 27, 2022 at 6:58 pm
Clark and Ira are once again joined by the Pro Football Hall of Fame's […]
-
Ep 106: Remembering Pat Tillman w/ Former Cardinals Coach Dave McGinnisby Full Press Coverage on April 21, 2022 at 12:43 pm
Former Cardinals head coach Dave McGinnis joins Clark and Ira to remember […]
-
Ep 105: Who Are The Top 5 Quarterbacks of All Time?by Full Press Coverage on April 15, 2022 at 12:46 am
Who is the most underrated quarterback of all time? The most overrated? […]
-
Ep 104: John McClain Joins The Show To Talk Retirement and Houston Sportsby Full Press Coverage on April 8, 2022 at 2:50 am
Former Texans beat reporter for the Houston Chronicle, John McClain, joins […]
-
Ep 231: Sons of Dynasty Draftsby Full Press Coverage on May 19, 2022 at 9:28 pm
-
Ep 230: Early Rookie Draft Seasonby Full Press Coverage on May 10, 2022 at 7:58 pm
-
Ep 229: Fantasy Fallout From the NFL Draftby Full Press Coverage on May 6, 2022 at 10:52 pm
-
Ep 228: Pre-NFL Draft Dynasty Rookie Draftby Full Press Coverage on April 27, 2022 at 2:52 am
-
5/11 - Patriots Depth Chart, Contract Issues, Smoked Meat, and Ernie Adams With Matt Chathamby Full Press Coverage on May 11, 2021 at 7:54 pm
Matt Chatham joins Steve, Murph, and Clare to talk Patriots depth chart, […]
-
5/4 - Good, Bad, and Ugly From NFL Draft With Evan Lazarby Full Press Coverage on May 4, 2021 at 7:39 pm
Evan Lazar of CLNS Media joins Steve, Murph, and Claire to recap the […]
-
5/27 - RIP Ray Liotta; Golden State Advances; Celtics On The Vergeby Full Press Coverage on May 27, 2022 at 7:00 pm
Ian and John discuss the passing of actor Ray Liotta, the Warriors Game 5 […]
-
5/25 - Texas Tragedy; Celtics/Heat Game Fiveby Full Press Coverage on May 25, 2022 at 7:21 pm
Ian and John react to the tragic school shooting in Texas. In addition, […]
-
Which Athlete Do You Want To See Roasted?by Full Press Coverage on May 24, 2022 at 2:40 pm
Ian and John discuss the upcoming Tom Brady roast and which athlete they […]
-
Warriors Take Commanding Lead; How Can The Celtics Rebound? (5/23)by Full Press Coverage on May 23, 2022 at 3:37 pm
Ian and John discuss the Warriors commanding 3-0 series lead over the […]
-
5/23 - Red Sox; NBA Playoffs; Tom Brady Roastby Full Press Coverage on May 23, 2022 at 3:32 pm
Ian and John discuss the Red Sox recent surge, the Warriors lead over the […]
-
Celtics Rebound In Game Two; Series Heads To Bostonby Full Press Coverage on May 21, 2022 at 11:00 am
Ian and John discuss the Celtics big game two win over the Heat as the […]
-
Lightning On Way To A Three-Peat? (5/20)by Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 4:18 pm
Ian and John discuss the Tampa Bay Lightning and their 2-0 series lead […]
-
5/20 - Tampa Bay Lightning; Celtics Blow Out Heatby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 1:41 pm
Ian and John discuss the Tampa Bay Lightning's quest for a third-straight […]
-
Ep 38: Tyreek Hill Traded To The Dolphinsby Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2022 at 12:10 am
Ian and Braden react to the trade of Tyreek Hill from the Chiefs to the […]
-
Ep 37: Matt Ryan Traded To The Colts; Jameis Returns To NOLA; Mariota to ATLby Full Press Coverage on March 23, 2022 at 6:00 pm
Ian and Braden react to the trade of Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts […]
-
Talkamania Episode 226by Talkamania on May 16, 2022 at 11:23 pm
-
Talkamania Episode 225by Talkamania on April 2, 2022 at 3:03 pm
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 184 "Sasha and Naomi"by Boot 2 The Face on May 26, 2022 at 1:01 am
Marty and Rucker are back talking about the hottest topic in wrestling, […]
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 183 "The Streets Been Waiting"by Boot 2 The Face on May 15, 2022 at 4:59 pm
Sponsored by athleticgreens.com/EMERGING
-
5/27 - RIP Ray Liotta; Golden State Advances; Celtics On The Vergeby Full Press Coverage on May 27, 2022 at 7:00 pm
-
Battle of Alberta Comes To An End; Goal or No Goal... History Repeats itself for Calgary?by Full Press Coverage on May 27, 2022 at 5:25 pm
-
Ep 132: Packers Fan Series with Jamie NoLastNameby Full Press Coverage on May 26, 2022 at 8:08 pm
-
Which Professional Athlete Would You Want To See Roasted?by Full Press Coverage on May 26, 2022 at 3:00 pm
-
Ep. 254: The Mo Showby Full Press Coverage on May 26, 2022 at 2:57 am
-
Ep 111: Joe Horrigan Returns To Remember Vietnam Veteran And Former Bills OT Bob Kalsuby Full Press Coverage on May 25, 2022 at 9:25 pm
-
Mavericks Avoid Elimination; Celtics Head To Miamiby Full Press Coverage on May 25, 2022 at 8:26 pm
-
5/25 - Texas Tragedy; Celtics/Heat Game Fiveby Full Press Coverage on May 25, 2022 at 7:21 pm
-
5/27 - RIP Ray Liotta; Golden State Advances; Celtics On The Vergeby Full Press Coverage on May 27, 2022 at 7:00 pm
-
5/25 - Texas Tragedy; Celtics/Heat Game Fiveby Full Press Coverage on May 25, 2022 at 7:21 pm
-
Which Athlete Do You Want To See Roasted?by Full Press Coverage on May 24, 2022 at 2:40 pm
-
Warriors Take Commanding Lead; How Can The Celtics Rebound? (5/23)by Full Press Coverage on May 23, 2022 at 3:37 pm
-
5/23 - Red Sox; NBA Playoffs; Tom Brady Roastby Full Press Coverage on May 23, 2022 at 3:32 pm
-
Celtics Rebound In Game Two; Series Heads To Bostonby Full Press Coverage on May 21, 2022 at 11:00 am
-
Lightning On Way To A Three-Peat? (5/20)by Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 4:18 pm
-
5/20 - Tampa Bay Lightning; Celtics Blow Out Heatby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 1:41 pm
-
5/16 - Celtics Advance; Jayson Tatum; Golden State; NBA Playoffsby Full Press Coverage on May 17, 2022 at 4:35 pm
-
NFL Schedule Release Reaction (5/13)by Full Press Coverage on May 14, 2022 at 10:45 am