FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski plans to enjoy his playoff bye weekend by doing the same thing as many of us.
"I’ve always been a fan of football, always watched the NFL and it’s great to always sit back wherever I can this year," he said Thursday. "You sit back and enjoy the games, pop a little sports drink – not any pop or soda. It’s always cool to see how the games go down and just enjoy them."
Gronkowski was one of several players drawing media attention on Thursday after the team’s walkthrough practice, along with safety Devin McCourty and running backs Steven Jackson and James White.
Gronkowski spoke with confidence that receiver Julian Edelman, who broke a bone in his left foot Nov. 15 and hasn’t played since, will be ready to go Jan. 16 in the divisional round of the playoffs.
“Edelman is a great player, great guy. So excited to have him back,” he said. “He brings so much to this offense; just a hard worker, brings a great attitude [to] the team. His work ethic is second to none.”
As for the playoff bye week, he said it's a good chance to look within.
"It’s a time where you start reflecting and take advantage of that opportunity which is just we’re all focusing on yourself as a player to get better," he said. "If you got bumps and bruises, you know this game – its physical every game, so take care of the bumps and bruises and just take advantage of this week and also watch the teams play this week."
Rob Gronkowski, Steven Jackson and Devin McCourty among Patriots players drawing large media crowds today. pic.twitter.com/nxoGacxfeK
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) January 7, 2016