EAST HARTFORD, Conn. — Hours after guiding his North Carolina team to a 38-21 victory over UConn on Saturday, Bill Belichick set aside his usual reserve to honor one of his most celebrated former players.
Roughly 100 miles away at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, former New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski was inducted into the franchise Hall of Fame in his initial year of eligibility. Former quarterback Tom Brady was among the attendees and drew a massive ovation from the crowd, ClutchPoints reported.
High praise from a former coach
Belichick, who steered the Patriots to six Super Bowl championships, has frequently steered clear of discussions regarding his former club since parting ways with New England, MassLive reported. However, he warmly addressed reporters when asked about Gronkowski following North Carolina’s win.
Belichick confirmed he had personally contacted Gronkowski to offer congratulations on what he described as a “well-deserved” honor.
“He was the best tight end in football during his time and one of the best of all time,” Belichick said, according to MassLive and Yahoo Sports. “I’m proud of Rob and what he’s accomplished. He came a long, long way from barely playing in college at Arizona, to where he ended up, which was an incredible credit to him, his work ethic, his toughness and his dependability.”
The coach emphasized that New England’s success heavily relied on the tight end’s presence on the field.
“We wouldn’t have won as many games as we did without him, I can tell you that,” Belichick said, as reported by Bleacher Report. “He’s a big part of it. I love Rob.”
Mutual admiration and historic numbers
Belichick’s remarks followed glowing comments from Gronkowski during a Friday news conference leading into the ceremony.
“He played a tremendous role in who I am as a player. I really loved the way he challenged me,” Gronkowski said, according to MassLive. “He’s the best football coach I’ve ever seen in my life, that I’ve ever been a part of as well. … I thank him for that and I wouldn’t be here without him.”
New England selected Gronkowski in the second round of the 2010 NFL draft. Across nine seasons in Foxborough, the tight end helped secure three Super Bowl titles. Over that span, the Patriots compiled a 113-31 record, Yahoo Sports reported.
In 115 regular-season contests with New England, Gronkowski collected 521 receptions for 7,861 yards and 79 touchdowns, Bleacher Report noted. His tenure included four first-team All-Pro honors and five Pro Bowl selections.
During his induction speech, Gronkowski shared memories of his time with Belichick before closing with a lively salute to fans: “I am a Patriot for life. Now let’s fiesta!”
Ceremony weekend continues
Belichick’s Tar Heels improved to 5-4 on the season with Saturday’s win at UConn, marking his first contest back in the New England region since taking over the collegiate program.
Festivities honoring Gronkowski will continue Sunday afternoon. The Patriots are scheduled to celebrate the newly minted Hall of Famer at halftime during their home matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
