Photo: Mike Lawrie
Ahead of his first-ever matchup against his former team, the New England Patriots, Rob Gronkowski, participated in a question and answer session with ESPN's Mike Reiss addressing several of his favorite things about the New England area.
When asked what he misses most about New England, Gronk said it was actually supporting another local team.
"Going to the Celtics games," Gronkowski said. "They would hook us up, front row. Just to go check out an NBA game, being right there on the court, was always really cool."
Gronkowski -- who won three Super Bowls with the Patriots before retiring in 2019 and later joining longtime New England teammate Tom Brady to win a fourth with Tampa Bay last season -- likely won't have much time to visit his former home of nine-plus years, but if he did, he knows where he would stop first.
"I would say hiking through the trails. There's a state park in Foxborough (F. Gilbert Hills) where a lot of people go," Gronkowski said. "I also go mountain biking in the woods throughout those trails. You get fresh air, can go around the lake, which is a beautiful view. During the season, I would do it on a day off here and there. In the offseason, it would sometimes be five times a week -- just clear your mind, enjoy nature, the boat rides, there's always people canoeing and boating in the lake.
"You can just sit on the benches and it's a good way to clear your mind. So that's definitely something I have to do when I’m back."
The Patriots will host Gronkowski, Brady, and the Buccaneers at Gillette Stadium for this weekend's highly-anticipated Sunday Night Football Week 4 matchup.
Colin Cowherd Ranks His Top 10 NFL Teams After Week 3
Justin Tucker Discusses His Record-Breaking Field Goal With Dan Patrick
Colin Cowherd Says this NFL Team is the League's Most Exciting to Watch
Photo: Tyron Woodley Owned Up to 'I Love Jake Paul' Tattoo Wager
Colin Cowherd Breaks Down Every NFL Week 3 Game in Just Three Words
Why Bill Belichick's Entire Legacy is at Stake in Bucs vs. Patriots Game
The Real Reason Why Tom Brady is the Most Hated Player in the NFL