HOUSTON – Rob Gronkowski did not play in the Super Bowl due to injury, but that does not mean the tight end didn’t keep his mind on football as his teammates pulled of the greatest Super Bowl comeback in history. According to the seven-year veteran himself, Gronkowski spoke to head coach Bill Belichick after the game about changing positions for the 2017 season.
“Rob did talk to me about that, but nothing has been decided,” said Belichick. “He has struggled with injury the last few years, and he thinks that if he bulks up a little bit and moves over to the line, perhaps defensive end, he’d be less likely to get hurt. Well, at least that is how his agent couched it. Rob just wants to wear 69.”
Gronkowski’s No. 87 jersey is one of the top sellers in all of the NFL and the tight end has forged a potentially Hall of Fame career at the position. But NFL rules state that only linemen can have jersey numbers falling between 60 and 79, meaning Gronk’s lifelong dream of sporting 69 on the field is impossible without a position change.
“He wanted to wear 69 in high school and college, but he was too athletic to play line and his coaches wouldn’t let him,” said his brother, Gordie. “It didn’t matter how much he asked, they said ‘no.’ And he literally asked 69 times. He made sure of it.”
The Patriots are hopeful they can convince Gronkowski to stay at tight end, but perhaps change to an allowed jersey number that is a little more fun.
“I think he should change from 87 to 83,” said offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. “It kind of looks like a butt pushed up against a set of boobs, right?”
“Heh-heh! You said BOOBS,” Gronkowski said from across the locker room, overhearing McDaniels. “I love boobs. And I love this team, bro!”
Gronkowski also announced today that he hopes to play 18 more years in the NFL in hopes of appearing in Super Bowl LXIX.
