Rob Gronkowski thought media criticism of his partying was ‘ridiculous’

Rob Gronkowski liked to party and have fun when he was an NFL player, but he still showed up ready to go on Sunday.

Gronkowski joined The Dan Patrick Show Friday morning, where the NFL on Fox analyst was asked about the media criticism he endured because of his off-field antics as a player. Patrick cited “keg stands” being the worst thing Gronkowski did, yet the media often expressed concern about his party habits.

“I thought it was a little ridiculous, no doubt about it,” Gronkowski admitted. “But it never bothered me because I knew what I was doing was safe. And I was ripping it up a little bit. Sometimes a little bit too hard for an athlete. But that’s just the way it is and that’s how I was. It was my personality off the field, and also led to my personality on the field. I’m gonna go out, dominate the night, I’m also gonna go out and dominate the field.

“It was a little ridiculous, but in my mind, I knew I always had good people around me to make sure I wasn’t getting in trouble when I was going out. And also, I knew I wasn’t doing anything wrong, it was just being fun. I knew I was respecting everyone still, trying to gain the respect of my teammates and showing up to work every day and going ham.”

Gronkowski always seemed like the antithesis of the “Patriot way.” He was brash with the media and in the spotlight off the field. His personality was in stark contrast to Belichick’s. This of course was long before Belichick started dating someone nearly 50 ears younger than him.

The media did question Gronkowski’s partying during his career, but it was also often excused more than other players. Gronkowski was viewed as more of a goofball and frat boy than being a detriment to his team the way Johnny Manziel was covered, for example. But that’s because Gronkowski still produced on the field even when he was seen partying off it.

Gronkowski’s “dumb jock” schtick might not be for everyone, but he leaned into his brand, with his high-spirited and boisterous personality undoubtedly helping to land sponsorship deals and media opportunities.