Rob Gronkowski would have rather hung up his cleats for good than play for another team, even if coached by a former Patriots coach. The…
Rob Gronkowski would have rather hung up his cleats for good than play for another team, even if coached by a former Patriots coach.
The Patriots tight end reportedly threatened retirement upon the Lions and Patriots nearly completing a blockbuster trade for him last spring, sources told ESPN. The five-time Pro Bowler is said to have declined calls from Detroit, now coached by Matt Patricia — the former Patriots defensive coordinator — as New England worked to craft a stunning trade in the days leading up to this year’s NFL draft.
Gronkowski, 29, pondered walking away altogether following Super Bowl LII in February, but he met with Patriots brass to discuss his future, which included only catching balls from quarterback Tom Brady. New England ultimately pulled the plug on the trade.
Ahead of the 2018 season, the Patriots’ reworked Gronkowski’s contract, adding $4.3 million in incentives, including $1 million per-game roster bonuses.
Gronkowski will get a look at what his future could have been with Detroit on Sunday night, when the Patriots face the 0-2 Lions at Ford Field.
