Rob Gronkowski Tweets Support for Horse Named for Him After Kentucky Derby Exit

Scott Polacek @@ScottPolacekFeatured ColumnistApril 23, 2018

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) dances as he celebrates a touchdown reception, during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Chris O'Meara/Associated Press

After Tim Layden of Sports Illustrated reported Gronkowski, the horse named after Rob Gronkowski, would miss the Kentucky Derby due to a "slight infection," the New England Patriots tight end tweeted his support:

Rob Gronkowski @RobGronkowski
It’s unfortunate Gronkowski the horse will not be able to race in the upcoming Kentucky Derby due to an illness. I fully support what is best for the horse. I know he will come back strong and healthy and I am excited to see him race again very soon.

Gronkowski has previously announced on his GronkNation blog he had bought a stake in the horse, via Mike Pescaro of NBC Boston.

The tight end has been making headlines recently beyond just his support for the horse sharing his namesake.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported Sunday the Patriots expect him to play during the 2018 season, even though ESPN's Adam Schefter previously reported an official decision has not yet been made.