New England Patriots: Rob Gronkowski wisely praised by NFLPA to rookies
By Nick Ziegler
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski is one of the most well-known players in the NFL. The NFLPA believes rookies should follow his path.
While some might not believe that Rob Gronkowski of the New England Patriots is a player that the NFL should be encouraging players to be like, there is no denying his success off the field.
Due to the rough nature of the NFL, a career can come to an end in the blink of an eye. With new rookie salary limits, it is important for players to make money away from the game. This is something that Gronkowski has done very well.
At the Rookie Premiere event, Ahmad Nassar pf the NFLPA mentioned Gronkowski as a player that rookies should look at as an example. Here is what Nassar had to say about Gronkowski and his ability to brand himself.
"“Some people think he’s just this extension of a frat boy, and that it’s sort of accidental,” said Ahmad Nassar to Ben Volin of the Boston Globe. “And that’s wrong. It’s not accidental, it’s very purposeful. So the message there is, really good branding is where you don’t even feel it. You think, ‘Oh, that’s just Gronk being Gronk.’ Actually, that’s his brand, but it’s so good and so ingrained and so authentic, you don’t even know it’s a brand or think it.”"
When it comes to branding, Gronkowski is authentic, and people like that. He is who he is, and many people love him for that.
"“When we say, ‘Be like Gronk,’ we mean plan out who you want to be and stay true to that, because brands and fans will sniff it out if you’re not authentic,” Nassar said to Volin. “If you’re not authentic it’s not going to resonate well, and people will think that you’re just doing it to make a buck.”"
The success Gronkowski has had with endeavors off the field will certainly help him after his playing days are over. As some players have seen, finding out what to do after football is not always easy.
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As a player that properly brands himself, Gronkowski will likely have plenty of options open after his NFL career is over. For rookies coming into the NFL, learning about branding themselves can certainly help them long-term.