Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski is "probably the NFL’s best tight end," and he is "undisputably the league’s greatest marketer and most unimpeachable brand," according to DJ Gallo of THE GUARDIAN. Gronkowski was at it again on Wednesday, when he "poked his face into Sean Spicer’s press briefing" before the Pats were honored for winning Super Bowl LI and asked, “Need some help?” The idea that Gronkowski can "catch, drink and spike a beer" is as "on-brand and as authentic as you can get." However, thinking Gronkowski is "nothing more than a fun-loving, beer-guzzling, meathead does even someone called 'Gronk' a disservice." He is at the very least "in on the joke and knows enough to surround himself with people who will make sure the Gronk brand keeps a perfect 100% rating." Gallo: "Rob Gronkowski is real. Gronk is at least partly an act. ... But no one cares. Gronkowski’s image, whether 99% or 69% manufactured, works. Even Patriots haters don’t dislike the guy. He’s good and fun and harmless" (GUARDIAN, 4/21). FANRAG SPORTS' John McMullen wrote Gronkowski "is a welcome breath of fresh air" for the NFL. His spring started with an in-ring appearance at Wrestlemania 33 and continued Wednesday when he was "pictured bumping fists" with President Trump at the White House. Gronkowski's antics at times "might get a little old, especially the partying aspect of Gronkowski’s antics." However, to this point, he has been an "invaluable asset to a league that is regarded as buttoned-up and stuffy." Few position players "could dare dream of having similar Q-ratings" to Cavaliers F LeBron James or Warriors G Stephen Curry. Gronkowski "overcomes all of those hurdles with personality, and his extracurricular activities this month are good for the game and his peers" (FANRAGSPORTS.com,4/20).
