DETROIT -- Just in case anyone doubted the validity of the report Sunday that stated Rob Gronkowski A) was nearly traded to the Lions, and B) threatened to retire to nix the deal, the All-Pro tight end confirmed both following his team's loss to the Lions.
"Yeah," Gronkowski said, "It happened. Brady's my quarterback. I'm not going anywhere without Brady."
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Gronkowski caught wind of the Lions trade, made his displeasure known, and refused to answer calls from Lions brass. Our Patriots Insider Tom E. Curran has long reported that the Patriots tried to trade Gronkowski this offseason before the draft.
In the days leading up to the draft, Gronkowski and his agent Drew Rosenhaus met with Bill Belichick. It was then that Gronkowski committed to the 2018 season and the Patriots. And the Patriots made it clear Gronkowski would not be dealt.
Gronkowski caught four passes for 51 yards against the team that tried to trade for him Sunday night.