Nothing But Respect Between Rob Gronkowski And Earl Thomas
BOSTON (CBS) -- There are no hard feelings between Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski and Seahawks safety Earl Thomas. Instead, there's just a whole bunch of respect.
Thomas delivered a bone-crunching hit on Gronkowski in Seattle's 31-24 win over the Pats on Sunday, one that knocked the tight end out of the game for five plays at the end of the first half. Gronkowski returned to play the second half on Sunday, but there were mixed reports on the aftermath caused by that big hit on Monday, with one report saying Gronk suffered a punctured lung while another said it was a bruised chest.
As for the hit itself, Gronkowski called it a clean hit and one of the biggest he's ever taken in his career following Sunday's game. As rumors circulated about Gronkowski's condition, Thomas took to Twitter to wish Gronk a speedy recovery and pass along some respect for the Pro Bowler.
Nothing but respect for Gronk. One of the best I've lined up against. Hoping to see him back on the field sooner than later.
— Earl Thomas (@Earl_Thomas) November 15, 2016
Later Tuesday evening, Gronkowski shared the sentiment:
The respect is mutual man, you got the best of me on that one. The grind is real, you showed the fans a real football hit. https://t.co/p57PLVQZ3C
— Rob Gronkowski (@RobGronkowski) November 16, 2016
It's still unclear if Gronk will be able to take the field on Sunday (we'll know more after the Patriots hold their first practice of the week on Wednesday), but it's clear there is no ill-will between him and Thomas following Sunday's big hit.