A Patriot who does talk to the media generally doesn’t have a serious injury, and a league source yesterday said Gronkowski has just a sprain, and he will be OK for Super Bowl XLVI.
During the open locker-room period yesterday, the second-year player was spotted opening the door that leads to the meeting rooms and cafeteria, but when he spotted reporters, he quickly changed his mind about entering the locker room.
He was still wearing the protective boot he had on when he left Gillette Stadium on Sunday night.
Super contest
Patriots owner Robert Kraft met with reporters for the third time in four days yesterday, this time to announce a contest the team is holding in conjunction with the Super Bowl.
Though his team is largely inexperienced when it comes to dealing with everything that comes with playing for an NFL title, Kraft believes the Patriots will be OK as they move from their win over Baltimore to their meeting with the Giants.
“I believe in this team big-time,’’ Kraft said. “We have a coach [Bill Belichick] who has gone through this learning curve pretty well. The system we have here, hopefully we have a system and discipline and the best coach in place that will keep people focused. Fortunately, we’ve had the experience of going to this game before. We have certain disciplines we follow and we’ll follow those now.’’
He joked that NBC is “very happy’’ about the Super Bowl matchup and its possibility for huge ratings. Not only are New York and Boston large markets, it is also a rematch of one of the greatest Super Bowls ever.
Kraft announced the “Super Bowl for Super People’’ sweepstakes: between now and midnight tomorrow, the team is looking for New England-based nominees from the nursing, teaching, military, law enforcement, and firefighting fields. Through a random drawing, two individuals from each field will be selected and receive two tickets to Super Bowl XLVI.
The Patriots are holding the contest in conjunction with their season-long “Celebrate Volunteerism’’ campaign, which is part of the tribute to Myra Kraft’s memory.
For rules and details, visit patriots.com/community.
Brady has regret
