Rob Gronkowski praises Bill Belichick amid ‘The Dynasty’ backlash

Bill Belichick’s track record speaks for itself.

But for all of the success he achieved over his 24 seasons as Patriots head coach, it’s clear that Belichick’s exacting nature and stern approach could wear on even the most productive players in Foxborough.

That sentiment was echoed several times in Apple TV+’s “The Dynasty” docuseries, including some pointed remarks from former Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski.

Gronkowski’s comments about the tug-of-war between Tom Brady and Belichick over Alex Guerrero might have painted his former coach in a negative light during the final episodes of the 10-part series. 

But even with those frustrations, Gronkowski — like several of his former teammates — pushed back against the criticism levied against Belichick in recent weeks. 

Speaking on MassLive’s “Eye on Foxborough” podcast with Karen Guregian and Chris Mason, Gronkowski acknowledged that he was sad to see Belichick leave New England following a miserable 2023 season.

“It was very sad to see Coach Belichick go, because there wouldn’t have been a dynasty, there wouldn’t have been 20-plus years of a winning culture without Coach Belichick. He set the standard. Coach Belichick was the standard,” Gronkowski said. “And without him, none of this was possible. There’s no doubt about that. And to see him go was sad. I mean, I had a tear. Without him, like I said, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Even though Gronkowski — who noted that he has yet to watch “The Dynasty” — was known for his partying antics throughout his time in New England, the future Hall-of-Famer noted on “Eye on Foxborough” that he wouldn’t have been the same player in the NFL if it wasn’t for the discipline put in place by Belichick.

“I kind of needed that structure as well in my life. I wouldn’t be where I am right now to this day without Coach Belichick being tough on myself and helping me get to the next level at practice or in a game,” Gronkowski said. “So I would never, ever, ever change a thing.”

It remains to be seen what Belichick will do for the 2024 NFL season after failing to land a head-coaching job on the open market. According to his son, Steve, Belichick is pursuing TV opportunities for the upcoming season before presumably jumping back into the next head-coach hiring cycle. 

Gronkowski would welcome the opportunity to work with Belichick on Fox — especially with Tom Brady set to join the network as its primary football analyst this fall.

“Adding Coach Belichick to the mix? I was hoping that that happens. And it still may happen. He hasn’t signed with anyone. It would just be so cool if Coach Belichick joins us on the pregame show, and then we could have some fun from there,” Gronkowski said. “This is the first rumbling I’m putting out there about it, so hopefully it comes true now.”