NFL legend Rob Gronkowski shared insights on the intersection of politics and sports during his career. Gronkowski, who played 11 seasons from 2010 to 2021, noted increased political discussions in locker rooms. However, he emphasized they didn’t substantially affect team dynamics as perceived by outsiders.

“I would say the conversations and awareness grew, but it didn’t really make a significant impact. It wasn’t like skyrocketing like it seemed from the outside. It wasn’t like that on the inside,” Gronkowski told Fox News Digital.

The former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end emphasized that the team’s primary focus was winning, not politics. He shared that the team united with a common goal of being the best football team, rather than being divided by political talks.

“It’s not political in the locker room. We’re all together as one, and that’s what it’s all about. And that’s how I believe it should be. It was to win games and be the best football team,” Gronkowski stated.

Gronkowski highlighted football’s unifying power, noting that everyone’s accepted regardless of cultural or political differences. This inclusivity, he believes, is what makes sports special.

“The politics really never get in the way in the locker room and that’s a good thing. It makes football great, as everyone’s accepted, regardless of culture or political views,” Gronkowski said.

During his career, Gronkowski became one of the top tight ends in NFL history. He spent nine seasons with the Patriots, retired in 2019, then joined the Buccaneers in 2020 to play for two more seasons with Tom Brady. Over 11 seasons, he made 621 receptions for 9,286 yards and 92 touchdowns, earning five Pro Bowl appearances.