FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Rob Gronkowski was asked if he dances his way to the bank with a $4 million New England Patriots check in his pocket.

“I guess so,” the smiling tight end said Tuesday, talking about his reworked contract that reportedly gives him $4 million of the $10 million bonus he had coming after the 2015 season. According to reports, paying that bonus would guarantee the rest of his deal through 2019.

One of the NFL’s most dynamic stars expressed his gratitude toward the Patriots’ front office and Coach Bill Belichick.

“It’s a great feeling,” he said. “It’s time to put that behind you and just play football now.”

Asked what the organization has meant to him, he said, “It’s an honor to be part of it. Ever since I was drafted it’s an unbelievable feeling coming here, coming out to practice every day and putting that jersey on.

“When I step out on the field and come out here to practice, I come out here to practice with a purpose every time and that’s to get better,” he said.

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Gronkowski caught 82 passes for 1,124 yards and 12 touchdowns last season.

“We’ve been out of it for a couple months, so it’s great to come out here and compete, especially with the hitting aspect now.

“You’ve got to come out to practice and you’ve got to actually practice harder than (you do in games). You’ve got to push your body to another limit, get yourself prepared for games. You don’t want to just go out here and go through the motions. You want to push yourself so when game time comes, you’re ready.”

NOTES: Willie McGinest, who won three titles with the Patriots, and the late Houston Antwine will be inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame on Wednesday night prior to a night practice. “Nobody would mess with Willie. Nobody,” said Belichick. “I’d put him up there as the guy you just don’t want to cross. If it got to that point, it’s better to back off than get into it with him. He was very well-respected, as he should be. He was a great athlete, great player, great teammate, versatile guy, (on) championship teams. He had a great career.” … Receiver Brian Tyms was carted off the field with what appeared to be a left arm or shoulder injury. …Receiver Julian Edelman stretched, then left the field for unknown reasons. … Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler intercepted a Tom Brady pass – Brady’s first of camp. … The Pats signed four players, including former Navy fullback Eric Kettani, who has been with the team before.


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