Rob Gronkowski says he'll be at mandatory minicamp this week

On Sunday at the “Buzz-Off” at Gillette Stadium, Rob Gronkowski confirmed he and his “erotic arms” would be at Patriots mandatory minicamp this week.

Speaking with reporters after getting his head shaved for charity, the tight end — who has missed the spring workout sessions to this point — said he would be in attendance for the mandatory workouts, which start Wednesday.

“I’ll be there this week. I’ll be full go,” he said. “Looking forward to it — can’t wait to get back. Get back to work. I’m excited.”

Later on Sunday in an Instagram post, he added, “Now I got minicamp thus week and can’t wait to show everyone what these erotic arms are gonna do and how much faster I’ll be without my hair!”

BSJ analysis: Is this the last chapter of an eventful offseason for Gronkowski?


It’s been a roller-coaster offseason for the big tight end. Just after the Super Bowl, he raised eyebrows when he sounded surprisingly noncommittal about playing in 2018. And his decision to stay away from the offseason conditioning program — and his appearance at Gillette Stadium to help promote a motocross event — likely upset folks in the organization.

While he posted a seemingly contrite message shortly after that about being committed to play in 2018, there was still no indication as to when he would be back with the rest of his teammates. But his statements in front of cameras on Sunday are the most definitive of the offseason when it comes to a potential timetable for his return to the field. (There’s also the possibility of a new contract, something that’s been kicked around frequently over the last month or two, but apparently has yet to come to fruition.)

In the end, you never know — as we’ve said in the past, there’s always the potential for a curveball in these types of situations. But it certainly appears the expected appearance of Gronkowski and Tom Brady this week could close the book on what has been a noteworthy offseason for the Patriots two biggest offensive stars.