Super Bowl LII: New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski praised by Zach Ertz
Monday 29 January 2018 15:05, UK
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz has lauded his opposite number Rob Gronkowski of the New England Patriots "a freak" ahead of Super Bowl LII.
Gronkowski has been listed with a concussion on the team's initial injury report after he was knocked out of the Patriots' 24-20 AFC Championship Game victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.
Finishing the year with 69 receptions, 1,084 yards and eight touchdowns, the 28-year-old has been a big part of New England's offense and Ertz is a huge fan of Gronkowski.
"The guy's a physical specimen," Ertz said. "He's a freak. He's a beast after the catch. He's able to use his body even when he's not open to get open with the frame he has.
"He's definitely been the premier tight end in this league for a long time [and] I think he'd still be producing those numbers without Tom Brady."
Standing at 6ft 5in and 250 pounds, Ertz is an inch smaller and 35 pounds lighter than Gronkowski, and the Eagles tight end has been in great form recently, catching all eight of his targets in the NFC title game for 93 yards.
Watch Super Bowl LII live on Sky Sports on Sunday, February 4. Coverage begins on Sky Sports Action at 10pm.
