Jun 2, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel holds a press conference before the start of practices at the team's OTA at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
"There's No Way" Patriots Legend Leaks What "Politics Are Like" In New England's Locker Room 1
The New England Patriots are going into the 2026 season looking to putt off-the-field distractions to the side and focus on getting back to the Super Bowl. On the field, the Patriots advancing to the Super Bowl last year in Mike Vrabel’s first season in town is impressive. Doing that two years in a row will be tough, but the team is confident in their ability to compete.
However, another off the field story has leaked that now has to do with politics in the locker room. Here are the details.
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Jun 10, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel holds a press conference before minicamp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn ImagesJun 10, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel holds a press conference before minicamp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Jun 10, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel holds a press conference before minicamp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Fans Don’t Believe Patriots Legend About Politics In The Locker Room “There’s No Way”
With time, politics and sports have become increasingly intertwined.
After playing for 11 seasons in the NFL from 2010 to 2021, Rob Gronkowski said the locker room became more political as his career progressed. Despite popular belief, the former New England Patriots star said politics didn’t have as much impact on the team as most people believe.
“I would say the conversations and awareness grew, but it didn’t really make a significant impact, like it wasn’t like skyrocketing like it, that it seemed like on the outside. It wasn’t like that in the inside,” Gronkowski told Fox News Digital in a recent interview.
According to the four-time Super Bowl champion, the team’s sole goal was to win games.
“It’s not political in the locker room. We’re all together as one, and that’s what it’s all about. And that’s how I believe it should be all about, is that we have one purpose. It was to win games and it was to be the best football team,” Gronkowski said.
During an interview with Fox News Digital, Gronk explained how football is a unifier because everyone is accepted.
“The politics really never get in the way in the locker room and that’s a good thing and that’s what makes football so great, is that everyone’s accepted. No matter what your culture is, no matter what your political views are, and that’s why I love sports.” Gronkowski said.
Fans React To The Comments
Feb 12, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, US; Former NFL player Rob Gronkowski looks on before Super Bowl LVII between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn ImagesFeb 12, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, US; Former NFL player Rob Gronkowski looks on before Super Bowl LVII between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Feb 12, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, US; Former NFL player Rob Gronkowski looks on before Super Bowl LVII between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Gronkowski’s comments was met with a response from fans. Many pointing out the recent public dispute between New York Giants’ quarterback Jaxson Dart and pass rusher Abdul Carter. Nowadays, politics seems to be a very sensitive and passionate topic no matter who you are.
There is no doubt that Gronkowski is an all-time great tight end. Before retiring in 2019, he played nine seasons for the Patriots. In 2020, he came out of retirement and played for the Buccaneers and Tom Brady for two seasons before hanging up his cleats for good.
The five-time Pro Bowler caught 621 passes for 9,286 yards and 92 touchdowns in 11 seasons.