Gronk ‘excited’ to go home again
PATRIOTS NOTEBOOK
Rob Gronkowski knows his native Buffalonians did love him once.
As the Patriots tight end recalled, he competed in a Punt, Pass and Kick competition at Ralph Wilson Stadium when he was about 10 years old during halftime of a Bills-Pats game. He didn’t win, but he threw a foot- ball really far. And the fans were entertained.
“Got some roars from the crowd, so I know they liked me at one point in my career,” Gronkowski bragged.
Of course, he has given Bills fans plenty of reasons to hate him over the past eight years. For start- ers, the Patriots have won 15 of their last 17 games in Buffalo heading into Sunday’s matchup, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg as it relates to their success with Bill Belichick and Tom Brady.
And then there’s the matter of Gronkowski’s ability to torture his hometown team. In six career games in Orchard Park, N.Y., Gronkowski has 35 receptions for 583 yards and seven touchdowns, and he has scored in five of those trips.
Gronkowski knows how to put on a show in front of his friends and family, and he loves to compete in that unique atmosphere, too.
“It’s always challenging going in there,” Gronkowski said. “I would say just being able to go there gets your juices flowing, and it’s just a dream come true every single time you get to go to your hometown and play. So I treat it as an honor to go back and play, and I always get excited for it because you’re playing in front of your family and friends you grew up with.”
In order to get to the renamed New Era Field, the Patriots’ convoy of buses has to get through the surrounding neighborhood and early-morning tailgaters who have a creative way of expressing their disdain for the visitors. Of course, it gets even more colorful after kickoff.
“They’re wild, man,” Gronkowski said. “I love it, though. I love that wildness. That’s what I grew up in. That’s why I said it’s a fun atmosphere to go play. They’re super loud, super proud of their team. It’s a good football atmosphere, and when it’s a good football atmosphere, you just love playing the game.”
Naturally, Gronk would fit in well with that rowdiness. As such, he was asked if he has ever jumped through a table during a Bills tailgate, which has become an increasingly popular practice due to the viral videos on the internet.
“Not at a tailgate, but I’ve been through tables before, for sure,” Gronkowski beamed.
Oh? Go on, please. “Like at family get-togethers,” he explained. “I’ve definitely been, growing up, through tables.”
And there it is. That explains why Bills Mafia still can’t compete with Gronk Mafia.
Happy returns
And on the second day, Brady returned, and he was good.
The Patriots quarterback was back at practice yesterday after missing the first workout of the week for extra treatment on his Achilles and left arm, which was cut up Sunday against the Dolphins. But per usual, he returned from a quick absence.
“He is always here and always working, and he is always trying to get better,” slot receiver Danny Amendola said to downplay Brady’s absence.
Brady, who was named AFC Offensive Player of the Month for a record 10th time, is scheduled to address the media today when he will almost surely declare his readiness for Sunday. There’s no question over his ability to play against the Bills.
However, the Patriots will be without wide receiver Chris Hogan (shoulder) and right tackle Marcus Cannon (ankle), who have yet to practice since getting injured in Week 8. The tackle depth figures to be tested, as LaAdrian Waddle (sprained ankle) returned to practice but isn’t expected to recover in time for Sunday, according to a source.
Hogan has ditched the sling that he wore for at least two weeks, so he is getting closer.
No change
Amendola’s knee remains listed on the injury report, but there hasn’t been any doubt over his game-day availability for at least two months. That hasn’t changed.
“I feel great,” Amendola said.