“I Thought He Was a Jerk”: Gronkowski’s Shocking First Impression of Brady—And What Changed His Mind

When Rob Gronkowski, the larger-than-life tight end, first met Tom Brady in 2010 as a rookie with the New England Patriots, he didn’t exactly feel the warm fuzzies. In fact, Gronkowski’s initial impression of the legendary quarterback was far from flattering. “I thought he was a jerk,” Gronkowski admitted during Brady’s Patriots Hall of Fame induction ceremony on June 12, 2024. This candid revelation, shared with a mix of humor and reflection, shed light on the rocky start to one of the NFL’s most iconic partnerships. But what sparked this harsh judgment, and how did their relationship evolve into a deep friendship and a championship-winning collaboration? The story is one of growth, mutual respect, and a shared pursuit of greatness.

A Rookie’s Rough Introduction

Drafted in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft, Gronkowski entered the Patriots’ locker room as a 21-year-old with raw talent and a boisterous personality. Brady, then 33, was already a three-time Super Bowl champion and the face of the franchise. To Gronkowski, Brady’s intensity was jarring. “He got on my case every single day,” Gronkowski recalled, describing how Brady would yell at him during practices, demanding precision and accountability. For a rookie trying to find his footing, Brady’s relentless coaching felt overwhelming, even harsh. “This guy is f****** yelling at me to get over there and he was yelling at me more like a coach,” Gronkowski shared on the New Heights podcast with Jason and Travis Kelce. To the young tight end, Brady’s demeanor seemed “crazy” and “out of control.”

Their first meeting didn’t help. Gronkowski recounted a humorous moment when Brady introduced himself in the training room, saying, “Wassup, Rob Gronkowski, I’m Tom Brady.” Gronkowski, trying to play it cool, responded, “Yeah, I know. Hi, Tom Brady.” The exchange, while lighthearted in retrospect, underscored the initial disconnect. Brady’s larger-than-life presence and no-nonsense approach intimidated the rookie, who mistook his quarterback’s drive for arrogance.

The Turning Point: Understanding Brady’s Intent

As the 2010 season progressed, Gronkowski began to see Brady’s intensity in a new light. The constant critiques and extra practice sessions weren’t personal attacks but part of Brady’s mission to elevate his teammates. “He wasn’t afraid to get on your case to elevate your game to the next level,” Gronkowski explained at the Hall of Fame ceremony. Brady saw potential in Gronkowski—a 6’6”, 265-pound athletic freak with soft hands—and was determined to mold him into a star. After practice, Brady would make Gronkowski and other rookies stay late, running route after route, throwing pass after pass. “He’d be telling me, ‘This is how I want you to run the route,’” Gronkowski said, noting Brady’s meticulous instructions, like never cutting inside on certain plays or risking an incomplete pass.

By midseason, Gronkowski started to “get it.” Brady’s tough love was about building chemistry and trust. “I kind of felt that he was more hard on me at first as I think he saw some talent in me,” Gronkowski reflected. The extra reps paid off. In his rookie year, Gronkowski caught 42 passes for 546 yards and 10 touchdowns, a sign of the dynamic duo they would become. By his second season, he led the NFL with 17 receiving touchdowns, cementing his status as Brady’s go-to target.

From Friction to Friendship

Over their 11 seasons together—nine with the Patriots and two with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers—Gronkowski and Brady developed a bond that transcended the field. Their on-field chemistry, which produced 96 regular-season touchdowns (second only to Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison in NFL history), was rooted in off-field camaraderie. Gronkowski admired Brady’s work ethic and competitiveness, describing him as “inspiring” in a 2018 interview with PEOPLE. “The way he prepares, the way he’s still going at his age,” Gronkowski said, marveling at Brady’s longevity.

Their friendship wasn’t without its playful moments. In 2020, Brady shared a hilarious story about working out with Gronkowski before a GQ photo shoot. Mimicking Gronkowski’s booming voice, Brady recounted how Gronkowski felt “ripped” after one session, ready for his close-up. Gronkowski, in turn, teased Brady about his rare indulgence in a shot of whiskey at the 2015 Kentucky Derby, laughing at Brady’s dramatic reaction to the alcohol. These anecdotes, shared with affection, highlighted a relationship built on mutual respect and shared laughs.

A Legacy of Greatness

Gronkowski’s initial impression of Brady as a “jerk” faded as he realized Brady’s intensity was a reflection of his passion for winning. Together, they won four Super Bowls (2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020), with Gronkowski catching two touchdowns in their 2021 Super Bowl LV victory. Off the field, their friendship endured, from attending the Kentucky Derby to starring in commercials together. Even in retirement, Gronkowski praised Brady’s post-NFL hustle, noting in a 2024 PEOPLE interview that Brady was “in better shape” than during his playing days.

Reflecting on their journey, Gronkowski summed it up best: “He saw greatness in me and wanted me to be the best player.” What began as a rookie’s misunderstanding blossomed into a partnership that defined an era. For Gronkowski, Brady wasn’t just a quarterback—he was a mentor, a friend, and the ultimate teammate who turned a first impression into a lasting legacy.