Gronkowski recalls Tom Brady ‘flipping out on’ him at memorable rookie practice
After missing Week 1 with a hamstring injury, Rob Gronkowski is expected to play for the New England Patriots when they face the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
Since entering the league in 2010, Gronkowski has evolved into the best tight end in the league. Andy Benoit explores Gronkowski's path to becoming not just one of the most athletic tight ends, but also one of the smartest athletes in the MMQB edition of Sports Illustrated.
Six years later, a single practice with quarterback Tom Brady remains engrained in his memory.
One particularly brutal practice from his rookie season, now six years ago, still sticks with Gronkowski. “Tom wanted me to get outside leverage on this flag route, and I just couldn’t. I just kept going inside. And he just flipped out on me about it. He said, ‘All right, the ball’s not going to you then.’ ” Gronkowski’s eyes drift down as he relates the story. “I remember that.” After a slight pause, he says, “So finally I just started learning, All right, I’ve got to get outside.”
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The Patriots will play the Dolphins at 1 p.m. at Foxboro Stadium.
