Rob Gronkowski tried to mimic Antonio Gates' game back when Gronk was playing varsity football.
Some things never change.
"Ever since high school I’ve looked up to him," the New England Patriots tight end said Thursday of the veteran San Diego Charger, via ESPN Boston. "I love the way he runs routes and how he gets open and how he makes it stick at the top of the routes to get open.
"Ever since high school I’ve looked up to him," the New England Patriots tight end said Thursday of the veteran San Diego Charger, via ESPN Boston. "I love the way he runs routes and how he gets open and how he makes it stick at the top of the routes to get open.
I’ve always watched him ever since growing up and I still watch him to do this day to learn from him."
Gronkowski will get a chance to watch Gates up close when their teams face off on the West Coast for a big AFC showdown. And regardless of the outcome, Gronkowski will be out to learn some of Gates' tricks.
"He’s a player to look up to, no doubt about that," Gronkowski said. "It’ll be cool to talk to him and learn what he’s done the whole time to keep playing and keep playing at that high level."
The 34-year-old Gates has nine touchdowns this season, right on pace with Gronk's nine. The 10th--or 11th--could be a difference-maker for either team Sunday.
"He’s a player to look up to, no doubt about that," Gronkowski said. "It’ll be cool to talk to him and learn what he’s done the whole time to keep playing and keep playing at that high level."
The 34-year-old Gates has nine touchdowns this season, right on pace with Gronk's nine. The 10th--or 11th--could be a difference-maker for either team Sunday.
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