Gronk 100%, thankful for re-negotiated contract

FOXBORO — Rob Gronkowski's 2016 season ended abruptly, with a slow, painful walk from the sidelines to the locker room in East Rutherford, NJ.

Two weeks after a high-impact collision with Seattle's Earl Thomas, Gronkowski tried to play against the Jets, only to tweak his back to the point where a surgical repair became necessary. A year that began with promise and success ended in personal disappointment.

After watching his teammates win Super Bowl LI, Gronkowksi was more eager than ever to return and throughout the spring, he's been on the practice field, involved in every drill and continuing to work on his chemistry with the Patriots quarterbacks.

"Conditioning-wise, strength-wise in the weight room, just being out on the field with the teammates, with the players, just all getting on the same page - being able to play football, it's great.," said Gronkowski after another soggy workout in Foxboro.

In May, Gronk's contract was re-negotiated, with performance clauses added to maximize what he can earn in 2017.  If he reaches all the incentives, Gronk could make $12.5 million.

"I'm very thankful for the opportunity that the Patriots organization has given me," said Gronkowski. "I just gotta keep working hard and do what's best for the team, do what's best for myself to help out the team in every way possible."

When I asked him how he felt about a portion of the contract being tied to performance, Gronk was unfazed.

"I'm always trying to perform," said Gronkowski. "I always want to get better every single year. I want to get better every single week. I'm always motivated no matter what the circumstances are I'm always motivated just to get better as a football player just because I love playing the game and whenever I have the opportunity to step out on the field I just want to get better as a player no matter what the circumstances are."

With the additions of Brandin Cooks, Dwayne Allen, Mike Gillislee and Rex Burkhead, among others, the Patriots have fortified an already imposing offense, but perceived strength doesn't always lead to victory on the field.

"Personally, I don't look at how good we are on paper," said Gronk. "We've got to step up on the field and practice hard every day."

Cox Media Group