Rob Gronkowski

“So yeah, I think, you know, it would be fair and square to, you know, put the referees on a pedestal as well and — and have punishment just like any coach or any NFL player can be punished just like that,”

Rob Gronkowski · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-30

Gronkowski said referees should face punishment just as players and coaches do.

“It was just me running and I was just a bigger body. So the guy would bounce off of me, you know, even though he ran into me and then I would get the flag. It just didn’t make any sense,”

Rob Gronkowski · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-30

Gronkowski recalled his own frustration with offensive pass interference penalties when defenders collided with him.

“I don’t think the referees are doing that great of a job. I think they can definitely improve,”

Rob Gronkowski · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-30

Gronkowski agreed with Tom Brady's broader concerns about officiating.

“And once they get everyone back and AJ Brown gets fully healthy, I think they can start clicking at a high level then.”

Rob Gronkowski · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-30

Gronkowski said the Patriots can start clicking at a high level once everyone returns and AJ Brown gets fully healthy.

“Yes, you call it when it’s appropriate, but when it’s not appropriate, you know, it doesn’t need to be called and affects the game in all ways.”

Rob Gronkowski · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-30

Gronkowski warned that incorrect flags on pass interference and roughing-the-passer calls could determine games.

“He didn’t force it down anyone, but you just watch him. That’s what it’s all about is leading by example,”

Rob Gronkowski · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-30

Gronkowski said Brady's approach to food and preparation offered a lesson in leading by example.

“I would just say the most wildest one, though, was having veteran players stay at the hotel, even though their homes are closer to the facility than the hotel throughout training camp,”

Rob Gronkowski · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-30

Gronkowski said the wildest Belichick rule was having veteran players stay at a hotel during training camp even when their homes were closer.

“That’s also very similar as well is when your number is called and you’re ready to go,”

Rob Gronkowski · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-30

Gronkowski compared McCarthy's readiness when called upon to Brady's move from backup to starter.

“I really do think he has what it takes to take the Giants team to the playoffs,”

Rob Gronkowski · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-30

Gronkowski said he believes McCarthy can take the Giants to the playoffs.

“I think so, actually, because players are accountable. Players can be cut the very next day and you’ve seen players cut,”

Rob Gronkowski · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-30

Asked whether the NFL needs more accountability for officials, Gronkowski pointed to how quickly a player's fortunes can change.

“I would say just a mentality of bringing it at practice and also having just a winning mentality that, hey, no matter the situation, we’re going to come, we’re going to find a way to win this game,”

Rob Gronkowski · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-30

Asked what he would bring to the current locker room, Gronkowski emphasized experience and a winning mentality.

“That definitely drove a couple of veteran players like myself crazy.”

Rob Gronkowski · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-30

Gronkowski said the hotel rule during training camp drove veteran players crazy.

“I just don’t see enough right now for them to be a potential, you know, Super Bowl candidate.”

Rob Gronkowski · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-30

Gronkowski said he does not see enough right now for the Patriots to be a Super Bowl candidate.

“the two biggest leaders of my life.”

Rob Gronkowski · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-30

Gronkowski credited Belichick and Brady as the two biggest leaders of his life.

“We want it to be fair and square. That’s what fans want to see,”

Rob Gronkowski · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-30

Gronkowski said fans want games to be fair and square regarding officiating.

“The Patriots, I think, are a pretty solid, you know, football team. And I think they’re going to make the playoffs. They definitely have a chance at winning their division. They just got to pick it up,”

Rob Gronkowski · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-30

Gronkowski sees the Patriots as a solid team that can make the playoffs and compete for their division.

“I definitely think the schedule plays a part in it for sure. It really does.”

Rob Gronkowski · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-30

Gronkowski said the schedule plays a part in the Patriots' regression this season.

“The only similarities is that you’ve got to go through adversity to be great.”

Rob Gronkowski · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-30

Gronkowski said the only similarity between McCarthy and Brady is that you must go through adversity to be great.

“They’re just having some problems right now, a couple injuries, injuries all across the offensive line. They’re depleted there. So I think the injuries, you know, to the offensive unit is playing a crucial part as well,”

Rob Gronkowski · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-30

Gronkowski pointed to offensive injuries as a crucial factor in the Patriots' struggles.

“If you have your health, you know, you have everything,”

Rob Gronkowski · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-30

Gronkowski said having your health means you have everything.

“Their schedule definitely was pretty, pretty simple last year. They’re playing tougher opponents this year, tougher defenses. I think that has more to play with it,”

Rob Gronkowski · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-30

Gronkowski said the Patriots' easier schedule last year contributed to their Super Bowl run.

“You got to ask someone that truly knows the science behind red light therapy, but, you know, I just like to do it because I’ve tried it, you know, through my own experiences and it works,”

Rob Gronkowski · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-30

Gronkowski discussed his use of DNA Vibe's red light therapy device for managing aches and pains.

“They’re totally different quarterbacks, they really really are,”

Rob Gronkowski · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-30

Gronkowski compared JJ McCarthy and Tom Brady, saying they are totally different quarterbacks.

“He said, not even incense are allowed to be burned in your hotel room,”

Rob Gronkowski · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-30

Gronkowski recalled Bill Belichick's rule that players could not burn incense in hotel rooms.