Tom Brady Will Not Be At Start Of Patriots OTAs Monday
BOSTON (CBS) -- Monday marks the beginnings of organized team activities at Gillette Stadium, but Tom Brady will not be there.
The Patriots quarterback will not be on the field with his teammates as OTAs kick off, according to The Athletic's Jeff Howe. NFL Media's Ian Rapoport reported that Brady was "unlikely" to attend, though he could call an audible surprise everyone by showing up.
OTAs are voluntary, but Brady has made it a point to be present for the third phase of offseason workouts throughout his career, so the absence is certainly notable. Brady already opted not to participate in the conditioning portions of offseason workouts, which were also voluntary, as he opts to spend more time with family this offseason.
It's also unclear if tight end Rob Gronkowski will be in attendance on Monday. Like Brady, Gronkowski skipped out on the earlier offseason workouts at Gillette, but the tight end has been putting in work at the TB12 Sports Therapy Center. Rapoport reported Monday that Gronkowski's contract is still an issue.
The start of OTAs is the first time that most of the team will be together since falling to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII, so it's definitely interesting that Brady and Gronnkowski aren't there, especially given their attendance throughout their careers. This is when there is some actual football on the field, with 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills taking place, and newcomers begin to get a feel for the system.
New England's mandatory minicamp begins on June 5, so chances are both players will be on the field with their Patriots teammates in the next few weeks.
