Rob Gronkowski. (Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
BOSTON (WBZ-AM) -- Rob Gronkowski opened his season with seven catches for 123 yards and a touchdown. His 27th career 100-yard game, second only to Tony Gonzalez's 31 among tight ends.
But, you'll remember Gronkowski stayed away from the Pats much of the offseason, mulling retirement, and the team reportedly engaged in trade talks with other clubs, and even appeared to have a deal in place to ship the All-Pro out of New England.
Well, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapaport, Gronkowski resisted. He told the Pats he'd retire. He doesn't want to play for another team or coach, or with another quarterback.
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After a meeting with Bill Belichick and Gronkowski's agent Drew Rosenahus, Gronkowski announced he'd be back for the season. Then he reworked his contract. He was asked about the report following yesterday's win.
"I'm glad to be here, glad to be part of this team, and glad to be part of this organization," Gronk said. "All that talk, all that stuff, I would love to put it in the past, whatever it is, whatever reports keep coming out, 'cause I'm here, I'm here to stay, and I'm here to keep playing ball with the Patriots, and just enjoying my time here."
Belichick's undoubtedly happy to have Gronkowski still alongside Tom Brady.
"They're both really good, Rob's hard to cover, and Tom can put the ball where only Rob can get it, and Rob can get a lot of those," Belichick said. "Glad we have 'em, they're great players."
The QB and tight end connected for their 76th touchdown yesterday.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Adam Kaufman (@AdamMKaufman) reports