New England Patriots: Rob Gronkowski enters realm of horse racing

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski is getting into the horse racing game, purchasing a minority stake in Gronk, the racehorse.

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski has yet to commit to playing in 2018. Gronkowski was reportedly contemplating retirement following the team’s Super Bowl 52 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

In recent weeks, it was reported that Gronkowski was expected to report for the season. However, his absence from team workouts that began this week won’t quiet down those retirement rumblings. It should be noted, however, that these workouts are voluntary. Gronkowski does have a workout bonus in his contract for showing up, but it looks like he is content passing on that bonus.

While Gronkowski’s future in football is in question, he may have a bright future in another sport. Gronkowski has purchased a minority stake in a racehorse that was named after him.

Gronkowski, the football player, shared the news on his Twitter account.

As stated, the racehorse will be taking part in one of the biggest horse races in the world in the Kentucky Derby. The 3-year colt, named Gronk, will partake in the race on May 5th at Churchill Downs.

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Gronk was purchased from England last year for over $400,000 by Phoenix Thoroughbreds, a global horse racing investment fund according to Mike Reiss of ESPN. One of the trainers in the group, Jeremy Noseda and his family, are huge Patriots fans. So, naturally, they named the horse after a player on the team.

Gronkowski was reached by the Wall Street Journal to discuss the purpose. He is hoping that he can meet the horse a few days before the Kentucky Derby gets underway, and also admits that he has a lot to learn about horse racing.

"“I’ve never dealt with horses,” he said. “Hopefully I can get a ride on the horse.”“It will be a new experience. Hopefully it will be something I like. I like new hobbies,” he said."

Gronkowski added that he is treating the horse as an investment, but also as a way to have some fun. As everyone knows, Gronkowski is all about having fun.

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While the Patriots would love to have him in camp, it is encouraging to see that he isn’t doing anything that will put his football future in jeopardy. There are a lot worse things that he could be doing with his free time than becoming a partial owner of a racehorse.