The best coaches often show the most emotion, and every NFL fan would love to see Rob Gronkowski lumbering up and down the sideline, cursing out linemen and chucking his gear around. Unfortunately, it looks like fans might have to wait a while to see Gronkowski spike a headset into the turf, after he recently expressed his opinion on the role.
Rob Gronkowski Cites the Good Life Over Coaching
Speaking with TMZ Sports, the former tight end and four-time Super Bowl champion was asked about everything New England Patriots. Although Gronkowski seems authentically excited about the direction of his former team, he had a pretty clear answer on whether he’d consider returning to the field in a coaching position.
“I’m just not made for the coaching life,” he said. “I’ve seen what they go through. It’s one of the most stressful jobs, I would say, in America.” Gronkowski explained that his current life is simply “too good” to plug NFL coaching into the mix. However, that doesn’t mean he would never coach at any level.
Although it won’t be on the biggest stages, Gronkowski opened up about a future with his longtime partner Camille Kostek, where he could see himself coaching if a family is in the picture. Should that day arrive, Gronkowski said he certainly wouldn’t be opposed to coaching Pop Warner. Of course, all of this coaching talk didn’t come out of nowhere—it came on the heels of questions about another former Patriot.
Mike Vrabel Marks a New Regime in New England
Former Patriots linebacker Mike Vrabel surprised no one when he signed on to coach the franchise into its next era, and Gronkowski wasn’t shy about expressing his excitement to TMZ. Of the hire, Gronkowski called it “special,” adding, “It got the fans excited. It got the Kraft family excited as well.”
The excitement is not without reason, as the organization has plenty to look forward to. Vrabel clearly fits the Patriot DNA, having been with the franchise during the marquee Brady-Belichick days, working directly within the famed “Patriot Way.” Vrabel isn’t the only mark of a new era in Foxborough, though, as Gronkowski specifically called out the signing of veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs.
Gronkowski said, “It’s really good for the New England Patriots because they need that number one wide receiver.” His statement rings true, as quarterback Drake Maye will need reliable weapons going into his second year, and Diggs brings not only steady hands but leadership.
All in all, while no one knows what the future holds, there’s plenty of electricity in New England this season—even if Gronkowski will not be wearing a headset.