Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski responded to skeptics of his partying lifestyle during an interview with ESPN Radio's "Mike and Mike in the Morning". Gronkowski, who received criticism for a viral video that showed him and a friend wrestling on stage shortly after his injury, said he would never do something he thought would put his health at risk.
"They're my fans," Gronkowski said of the TMZ.com video captured by a fan's smartphone. "They're looking out for ... they're big fans of the Patriots and they just want to see the team do well. I totally understand where the fans are coming [from], where they don't want [me] to put myself in jeopardy of getting hurt. I totally understand that. I would never do that, put myself in jeopardy."
Gronkowski emerged as an elite tight end in 2011, however, was slowed by injuries in 2012. The 23-year-old played in just 11 games and caught 55 balls for 790 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Following his breakout season with the Patriots, Gronkowski gained a great deal of publicity for his impressive season and off-the-field party lifestyle. The former pro-bowler said he is still adjusting to life in the spotlight.
"It's a little different," he answered. "Growing up, just doing whatever you want and no one looking at you and no one really caring, and now you go out & I was in the airport on the way here and everyone has their camera out videoing me walking through the airport. It's weird at first, but you just can't let it get to your head at all, affect you at all and just keep doing what you've been doing since Day 1, which I have been."
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