Everyone linked to the New England Patriots in recent years most likely holds some grievances against Roger Goodell due to the deflategate scandal.
Among them was Rob Gronkowski, but the following anecdote focuses less on his presumed disdain for the commissioner and more on his confusion about the caller’s identity.
When Roger Goodell phoned the former Patriots tight end to announce his selection to the NFL 100 team, Gronkowski didn’t recognize the number and chose not to answer.
https://twitter.com/PardonMyTake/status/1234472845264269312?ref_src=tw%5Etfw
The situation took a comical turn, as recounted by CBS Boston:
“I received a call from New York, with no caller ID. I hesitated to answer, thinking, ‘I don’t want to pick this up.’ After some contemplation, I decided to answer.
It rang again, and I thought, ‘Oh well, I’ll entertain myself.’ I picked up and playfully said, ‘Hellooooooo? Hellooooooooo? Who’s this?’
‘Hey, Rob, um, this is Roger Goodell. Is this Rob Gronkowski?’
I replied in jest, ‘Hellooooooo? Helloooooo?’ Convinced it was a prank, I continued, ‘People are pranking me.’
‘Rob. This is Roger Goodell. I’m looking for Rob Gronkowski.’
Still playfully, I said, ‘Helloooooooooo?’
‘Is Rob Gronkowski there?’
‘Helloooooooooo?’
In the end, I just hung up, thinking, ‘They won’t trick me.’
A couple of days later, the phone rang again, but I was adamant not to pick up. ‘Definitely not him,’ I thought, ‘He would have left a message.’
Later that day, the number called again and left a voicemail. Upon listening, it was indeed Roger Goodell. ‘Hey Rob, it’s Roger Goodell. I’m looking for you. Not sure if this is the right number. Congratulations, you’ve made the top 100 players of all time.’
Reflecting, I entertained the thought that his voice did bear a likeness. But when I hung up initially, I was uncertain. Nonetheless, I figured if it truly was him, he’d reach out again.
To cut a long story short, it was indeed him.
I dialed the number he provided. After our conversation, he made no mention of the previous calls. When we meet, I look forward to teasing him, asking, ‘Who did you think was answering, going, ‘Helllloooooooo? Who’s this?””
A classic Gronk move!
