Rob Gronkowski on the Differences Between 2020 and 2021 for Him

On April 21, 2020, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers traded the New England Patriots a compensatory draft pick for the rights to TE Rob Gronkowski. This trade would bring Gronkowski out of a year-long retirement and reunite him with QB Tom Brady on their way to winning another Super Bowl. Below is what Gronkowski had to say about the difference between 2020 and 2021 for himself heading into the new season.

“It feels good. Just coming in last year and trying to learn the playbook and be thinking when you get up to the line – it just feels a lot more efficient this year. Dealing with the heat that’s definitely a factor, no doubt about it. Just knowing a whole new system, a whole new playbook and knowing in the back of mind now. So, right when I break the huddle I just go out there and just do what I have to do and just react as a football player instead of thinking. I just feel a lot better out there this year and just overall in terms. Just have to keep on working to improve every time.”

The 2020 season was a very weird season across the board for both the Buccaneers and the NFL. COVID-19 took the world by storm and protocols were put in place to protect the players and staff so there was no true offseason workout program or preseason games to get players into the groove for the season. In 2021, the Buccaneers come into the season as champions with all 22 starters returning and a full offseason. As Gronk said, he feels better this year and I’m pretty sure the rest of the team does as well with more reps and time in the teams system under their belt. Four more days until kickoff. Here we go!