Bill Belichick Reacts to Rob Gronkowski's Patriots HOF Induction, TE Among 'Best of All Time'

UNC football head coach Bill Belichick offered great praise for former New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, who he coached on the Pats from 2010-2018.

The Patriots inducted Gronkowski into the team's Hall of Fame on Saturday, the same day that Belichick led his Tar Heels to a 38-21 road win over UConn.

Gronkowski had this to say about Belichick during his Friday press conference, per Mark Daniels and Karen Guregian of MassLive.

"He played a tremendous role in who I am as a player. I really loved the way he challenged me," Gronkowski said. "He's the best football coach I've ever seen in my life, that I've ever been a part of as well. … I thank him for that and I wouldn't be here without him."

When Belichick was told of Gronkowski's remarks, he offered these comments, per Matt Vautour of Mass Live.

"That's nice of Rob to say that. I talked to Rob and congratulated him on his selection into the Patriots Hall of Fame. Well deserved. He was the best tight end in football during his time and one of the best of all time. I'm proud of Rob and what he's accomplished.

Belichick added:

"He came a long, long way from barely playing in college at Arizona, to where he ended up, which was an incredible credit to him, his work ethic, his toughness and his dependability. It's a hard position to play, but he excelled at it. We wouldn't have won as many games as we did without him, I can tell you that. He's a big part of it. I love Rob."

Gronkowski played nine of his 11 seasons with the Pats, winning three Super Bowls and making four All-Pro First Teams and five Pro Bowls. In 115 regular season games with New England, Gronkowski caught 521 passes for 7,861 yards and 79 touchdowns. Belichick was around for all of it as part of his 24 seasons as the Patriots' head coach.

Now New England will honor Gronkowski at halftime of the Patriots' home game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET.