Over the past decade, the New England Patriots have for whatever reason always struggled against the consistently lack-luster division foe Dolphins, especially when playing in Miami. Not surprisingly, the likely has to do with the infamous South Florida heat.
After playing in 90 degrees and direct sun only for one game a year, Gronk is now with the Bucs, and is finding out the hard way what it takes to play at least 8 of them.
“He’s probably in New England shape right now, but he’s not in Florida shape,” Arians said during a video conference call following Monday’s practice. “The heat is kicking his ass pretty good [laughs]. It’s different, man. When you train in New England and then come down here, it’s really different. We laughed about it out there today – I don’t think he’s ever sweat that much in his life. It takes a little time to get into the Florida shape, but as far as playing in a game, he’s more than ready right now.”
Gronkowski of course ended his retirement to rejoin Tom Brady in Tampa, who decided to leave New England for the Bucs back in March of this year. ended his brief, one-year retirement to join Tom Brady in Tampa Bay after the legendary quarterback signed with the Bucs in free agency back in March.
