You just gotta love Gronk.
Even a couple of Broncos understand that much.
Denver tight ends Troy Fumagalli and Jake Butt were panel judges Sunday night for the final round of Broncos cheerleading tryouts just hours after veteran Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski announced his retirement plans on Instagram.
“He’s definitely one of the best,” Fumagalli said.
“The NFL is losing a great tight end and a great player,” added Butt.
Now, apountry, before amassing your pitchforks and torches to protest such New England praise from the mouths of Denver players, consider this as well.
The Patriots selected Gronkowski with the No. 42 overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. Butt was just 14 years old at the time. Fumagalli was 15. They developed as high school tight ends with the ultimate example to watch on Sundays. Gronkowski had no equal. He won three Super Bowls and caught 521 passes for 7,861 yards and 76 touchdowns — all with the happy-go-lucky persona of a Jersey Shore cast member.
Whatap not to like?
“Especially growing up when Jake and I grew up, he made play after play in big game after big game,” Fumagalli said. “I tip my hat to him. He had a great career and itap awesome to watch. I wish him the best.”
So, maybe this once, even the most diehard Broncos fan can put their New England grievances behind. Respect a legend. The Pro Football Hall of Fame is next.
“Congrats to him on an amazing career,” Butt said. “It seems like he’s really happy with his decision and good luck to him as he transitions into this next stage of life.”
— , The Denver Post
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What’s on Tap?
- Nuggets: Detroit Pistons, 7 p.m. Tuesday, ALT |
- Avalanche: Vegas Golden Knights, 8 p.m. Wednesday, ALT |
TV/RADIO: Here’s what sports are airing today
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Scoreboard
NIT: Buffaloes 76, Spartans 60
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Spring Training: Isotopes 7, Rockies 3
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Must-Read
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In what can be viewed as a major step toward identifying the Broncos’ next controlling owner, team CEO/president Joe Ellis said Monday that Brittany Bowlen, one of owner Pat Bowlen’s seven children, will re-join the team “by the end of the year or within the year.” Read more…
Kiszla vs. Singer: Would the Nuggets rather face the Thunder or the Jazz in the playoffs?
The bottom half of the tourney bracket is a jumbled mess. So, who would be the toughest out for Denver in the first round? Read more…
Bud Black’s spring training report card on Rockies infielder Ryan McMahon: “He came in extremely motivated to make a point, and he has”
Bud Black’s final spring training report card on Ryan McMahon is in, and the manager’s conclusions should please Rockies fans. Read more…
Quick Hits
+ Broncos tight tend Jake Butt says he’s “about five months out.”
+ Lunch Special: With the No. 10 pick in the NFL draft, the Broncos select …
+ Who’s ready for Jansport Stadium at Mile High?
+ Avs goaltender Philipp Grubauer was standing on his head last week, and he was awarded the NHL’s third star of the week as a result.
+ Former Nuggets big man Jusuf Nurkic suffered a severe leg injury in a Portland Trail Blazers win Monday night.
+ Former Rockies outfielder Mike Tauchman had to say goodbye to a lifetime commitment when he was traded to the Yankees.
+ Forget about the Mueller report: The big White House news Monday was the Washington Capitals’ visit.
+ Meet Vail’s new 9-week-old ski patrol puppy named Cowgirl.
+ The Patriots dynasty could soon be coming to an end — if Rob Gronkowski stays retired.
+ Jerry Brewer: Johnny Dawkins and UCF teach his grateful alma mater a lesson
Post Mailbag forms
+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
+ Nuggets Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
+ Avs Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
+ Rockies Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
By The Numbers
16
Number of betting favorites that won in the second round of the NCAA tournament — the first time that’s happened since the tourney expanded to 64 teams in 1985. Should we expect more of the same in the Sweet 16?
Parting Shot
Regis Jesuitap Fran Belibi becomes second woman to win McDonald’s All-American dunk contest
Fran Belibi was already an internet sensation. On Monday night, the Regis Jesuit senior took over another medium, throwing down several dunks on ESPN2 to win the McDonald’s All-American Games dunk contest in Marietta, Georgia. Read more…
Get in Touch
If you see something thatap cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at dboniface@denverpost.com or tweet me .
