Rob Gronkowski: Patriots Star Shouldn't Have to Defend Work Ethic

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski is one of the hardest working players in the NFL, but after he was seen partying quickly following the team's loss in Super Bowl XLVI, the young star's work ethic was questioned.

Gronkowski didn't need to defend his work ethic, and shouldn't have to, but amid all the criticism he did just that in a radio interview for ESPN radio in Philadelphia this week.

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"Hard work and dedication, I always put my job first before anything, no matter what it is. I'm always just dedicating myself. Unfortunately, it just happened like that. I mean, it is what it is," Gronkowski said on 97.5 The Fanatic in Philadelphia, as part of Mike Missanelli's celebrity call-in contest.

"I'm 100 percent in, every single game, every single practice, every single thing just to get out there on the field. It was definitely a tough loss. I was hurting from it. Everyone was hurting from it. You don't work that hard all year to get to the final game and lose. It just hurts, definitely. It just went on. I'm an [easy going kind of] guy. I try to get over things as soon as possible."

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Gronkowski risked further injury by playing in the Super Bowl and literally gave all he could to help the Patriots offense against the New York Giants.

Ankle sprains are very painful and difficult to play with, but Gronkowski worked extremely hard to get himself as healthy as possible for the big game.

It's absolutely absurd for people to question his work ethic, but sadly, many did. What was Gronkowski supposed to do after the Super Bowl, go to his hotel room and cry or something?

He's a young kid, and there's no reason for him not to have fun with some of his teammates after a long season. Some of them may not be with the Patriots next season, so the Super Bowl was the last time many would be able to hang out as teammates.

Gronkowski rarely doesn't have a smile on his face, and it seems like he never has a bad day. He's always so upbeat and positive. He won't let a loss like the Super Bowl weigh on him when the future is very bright for him and the Patriots.

That's exactly the kind of attitude I want from my star player, and by no means does it means he's any less competitive than the next guy.

Anyone who questioned Gronkowski's work ethic following his post-Super Bowl dancing should be ashamed of themselves.

The Patriots star is one of the hardest working players in football, and is fully committed to helping the team return to the Super Bowl next season.

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