On the “New Heights” podcast with Travis and Jason Kelce on Wednesday, Tom Brady reflected on former Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski’s NFL career. While praising $45 Million star’s talent and personality, the seven-time Super Bowl champion said the Patriots’ demanding culture under Bill Belichick played a major role in the star’s career.
“He was free, fun-loving. … How you see him anywhere is how he is. He’s one of the most authentic people you’ll ever be around,” he said.
“I think Gronk was the greatest blocking tight end in history. We didn’t care. We would rather go to Gronk than the open-side tackle a lot of times.”
“I think our environment kind of kept him really serious, which was probably a good thing for him in the end. Because I think if he was on another team where the coach let him get away with a lot of stuff, Gronk maybe would have veered a little that way.”
Brady said that the Patriots managed the right balance by allowing Gronkowski to enjoy himself while remaining disciplined enough to become one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history.
Tom Brady on Playing Under Bill Belichick
On the “Stick to Football” podcast Brady offered further insight into the Patriots culture.
According to Brady, Bill Belichick intentionally created an uncomfortable environment throughout the week to prepare players for Sundays.
“When Bill Belichick walked in the room, everyone sat up because they didn’t want to be called out for being s****y on the field,” he said. “They didn’t do their job well, and there was going to be a coach that said, ‘I told you what to do. Yes, what do you not do? Where’s the effort? Why are you not running on that play?’ And you’re in there in front of all your friends.”
Brady emphasized that the strict standards applied to everyone on the roster, including himself:
“Every day was hard, so that Sunday everyone won, and we were all happy that we won on Sunday, which is ultimately what we should be.”
When asked whether Belichick ever singled him out despite his status as the franchise quarterback, Brady responded without hesitation.
“Oh, yeah, absolutely.”
Looking back, Brady said he has no regrets about the demanding environment, he believes it was the major reason to how Patriots were able to establish one of the greatest dynasties in NFL history.
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