GRONK BRINGS THE PARTY TO DAYTONA
Says Bennett should break the bank
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski was talking big money yesterday — at least when it came to teammate and fellow tight end Martellus Bennett.
“I’m hoping he breaks the bank,” Gronk said of the likely-to-be-free agent Bennett. “Whenever you see a tight end break the bank, it’s good for the industry. It’s good for the position. You want to see the position grow. I want to see him do whatever he’s got to do, but I don’t make the calls.”
When Gronkowski underwent season-ending back surgery in December, it was widely feared the Patriots’ hope for a fifth Super Bowl title went down with him. But Bennett played the “next man up” role brilliantly. He caught 55 passes for 701 yards with a career-high seven touchdowns — adding 11 catches for 98 yards in the playoffs.
Does Gronk want the Patriots to re-sign Bennett, who had a base salary of $5.085 million in 2016?
“Yeah, I love having that extra tight end on the field. It helps out the game so much, helps out the offense. I love the guy, too,” he told the Herald after a press conference. “It’s his personal decision, a front-office personal decision. It’s up to them.”
Gronkowski, signed through 2019, reiterated his health is “great” and admitted watching the Patriots win their fifth Super Bowl from the sidelines and not in uniform was bittersweet.
“It’s definitely tough, I’m not going to lie,” he said. “But those are my boys. I want the best of them. It was just an honor to be out there with the boys and celebrate with them. There’s always next year and try and go for another one.”
Gronkowski then seized the Daytona International Speedway Fan Zone stage to wild cheers from hundreds of fans — many of whom were waving Patriots hats and screaming his one-name moniker.
Before the Great American Race, Gronk was the Great American Party Hero. And he could do no wrong. His pick to win the Daytona 500? The eventual champion, Kurt Busch.
(Busch also coincidentally drives the Monster Energy No. 41 Ford.)
What number would Gronkowski’s race car be?
“Come on, you know the answer to that question. 69. 69-87. 87-69.”
He also confessed to stealing Tom Brady’s jersey.
“I’m so in love with him. It’s in my house,” he said. “People think I’m joking, but it’s hanging up in my shrine room.” The masses loved it. “It’s like this everywhere he goes,” family patriarch Gordon Gronkowski, replete in Monster Energy attire, told me backstage. Papa Gronk was part of an 18-person entourage (unofficial count) who accompanied his son to the race.
Rob Gronkowski remains eager to get to back on the field, especially after New England’s miraculous 34-28 overtime win in Super Bowl LI.
“The boys deserved everything they got. It makes me want to rehab,” he said. “It makes me want to get back on the field.”
His questions yesterday were not limited to just boys.
“Are you more a fan of the Monster Energy drink or the Monster Energy girls?” he was asked.
“I’m a fan of both of them,” said Gronk, a Monster Energy spokesman for two years. “I make the girls drink my own drink, so I get the benefit of both.”