Rob Gronkowski had no issue with Josh McDaniels drawing a comparison between A.J. Brown’s potential impact in New England and the role he once played for the Patriots.
Brown has arrived as the Patriots’ new No. 1 receiver after a blockbuster trade from the Philadelphia Eagles, giving McDaniels a physical centerpiece for the passing game.
For Gronkowski, the comparison made sense because it was never about position. It was about how defenses have to account for rare size, strength and hands.
Rob Gronkowski backs A.J. Brown comparison after Patriots trade
Up & Adams asked Gronkowski about McDaniels’ comments, and the former Patriots tight end said he loved the comparison.
McDaniels had praised Brown’s profile, saying: “Big, physical, aggressive, explosive, really good hands. He’s just a really competitive guy when you watch him play. There’s force to the way he plays the game.”
Gronkowski agreed with the logic and pointed to the attention Brown creates even away from the ball.
“A.J. Brown is a big body out there. He’s a force to be reckoned with. He’s a guy that takes attention from the defense even when the ball’s not going to him. Even with a run play, you’re still going to have attention.”
Why Josh McDaniels sees Gronk traits in A.J. Brown
Gronkowski explained that Brown wins the same way he often did with Tom Brady, using his body to block out defenders rather than simply running past them.
Brown joined New England after another strong run with Philadelphia, including a 2025 season with 78 catches, 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns.
The Patriots also added Romeo Doubs, giving them a clearer receiving structure around Brown as the featured target.
Gronkowski believes that changes the offense’s ceiling. In his view, Brown gives New England the kind of difference-maker it needed to chase another deep postseason run.
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