Tag Archives: Deion Branch

Best Of Social Media: Reaction To Rob Gronkowski Retirement From Football

Robert Alvarez
March 25, 2019 at 6:00 pm ET

On Sunday night, New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski formally announced over Instagram that he will be retiring from the NFL after nine professional seasons.

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It all started at 20 years old on stage at the NFL draft when my dream came true, and now here I am about to turn 30 in a few months with a decision I feel is the biggest of my life so far. I will be retiring from the game of football today. I am so grateful for the opportunity that Mr. Kraft and Coach Belichick gave to me when drafting my silliness in 2010. My life experiences over the last 9 years have been amazing both on and off the field. The people I have meet, the relationships I have built, the championships I have been apart of, I just want to thank the whole New England Patriots organization for every opportunity I have been giving and learning the great values of life that I can apply to mine. Thank you to all of Pats Nation around the world for the incredible support since I have been apart of this 1st class organization. Thank you for everyone accepting who I am and the dedication I have put into my work to be the best player I could be. But now its time to move forward and move forward with a big smile knowing that the New England Patriots Organization, Pats Nation, and all my fans will be truly a big part of my heart for rest of my life. It was truly an incredible honor to play for such a great established organization and able to come in to continue and contribute to keep building success. To all my current and past teammates, thank you for making each team every year special to be apart of. I will truly miss you guys. Cheers to all who have been part of this journey, cheers to the past for the incredible memories, and a HUGE cheers to the uncertain of whats next.

A post shared by Rob Gronkowski (@gronk) on

Since entering the league as the 42nd overall pick in 2010, Gronk compiled
521 catches for 7,861 yards with 79 touchdowns during his time in Foxborough.

Gronk earned five Pro Bowl selections over his career but dealt with
multiple back surgeries, a twice-broken arm and a torn ACL.

Despite the injuries, Gronk put together a career that all but assures him a place in Canton, Ohio at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Check out all the best reactions from social media to the news below.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvaGsDcHQ7_/
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Icon. #TheGronk

A post shared by Julian Edelman (@edelman11) on

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvacTxBl8aL/
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Where do I start @gronk ….First thing congrats man, you deserve this. All the work and sacrifice I’ve seen you go through for 9 years. And doing it with a smile on your face! Thank you for making football fun for 9 years, with your good but bad dance moves! Thank you for making me the player I am. I’m not doing any of this shit without your help and work ethic. From rookie years to 9-10 years later. Betting $100 a day for winner that day in practice. Dreading practice but we keep pushing and worked through it Haha. I owe most my career to you and things I’m able to do on the field man. I’ve said it before, and it won’t change. Thank you. Enjoy retirement! Dance your ass off, keep smiling, being a clown, love life. I’ll join ya soon! Love you man! The greatest to ever do it! #bigchung from #littlegronk

A post shared by Patrick Chung (@23patrickchung) on

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Roger Murtaugh: Guess what? Martin Riggs: What? Roger Murtaugh: I don't want to work with you! Martin Riggs: Hey, don't. Roger Murtaugh: Ain't got no choice! Looks like we both been f*cked! Martin Riggs: Terrific. Roger Murtaugh: God hates me. That's what it is. Martin Riggs: Hate him back; it works for me. *Roger Murtaugh: Have you ever met anybody you didn't kill? Martin Riggs: I haven't killed you yet. *Martin Riggs: Every single day I wake up and think of a reason not to do it. Every single day. And you know why I don't do it? This is going to make you laugh. You know why I don't do it? The job. Doing the job. Now that's the reason. *Roger Murtaugh: I'm too old for this… enjoy retirement @gronk it was incredible… everything.

A post shared by Martellus Bennett (@martellusb) on

https://twitter.com/BIrvin_WVU11/status/1109944240325431298?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1109944240325431298&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcsports.com%2Fboston%2Fpatriots%2Ftom-brady-react-rob-gronkowski-retirement
https://twitter.com/gregolsen88/status/1109949544727494657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1109949544727494657&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcsports.com%2Fboston%2Fpatriots%2Ftom-brady-react-rob-gronkowski-retirement
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WATCH: Media And Fan Reaction In Real Time To Patriots Stunning Loss In Miami

Robert Alvarez
December 10, 2018 at 5:30 pm ET

The New England Patriots and their fans are still picking up the pieces from Sunday’s loss in Miami. 

Although a painful conclusion for New Englanders, the wild finish did provide some entertaining fan and media reactions that made their rounds on the internet.  

If you were upset at the outcome, you weren’t alone. 

WARNING: NSFW, Language. 

The 985 The Sports Hub radio call of the final play also provided some disbelief and shock by the broadcast team of Bob Socci and Scott Zolak. 

Best Of Social Media: The Patriots React To Red Sox Winning The World Series

Robert Alvarez
October 29, 2018 at 9:57 pm ET

On Sunday night, the Boston Red Sox clinched the 2018 World Series championship in game five against the Los Angeles Dodgers by a final score of 5-1.

Throughout the game, current and former members of the New England Patriots showed off their support over social media.

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Do Damage. Go Sox.

A post shared by Tom Brady (@tombrady) on

Best Of Social Media: Week 6 Chiefs vs Patriots

Robert Alvarez
October 16, 2018 at 8:45 pm ET

On Sunday night the New England Patriots entered their Week 6 matchup with the undefeated 5-0 Kansas City Chiefs.

Coming into the game, in the Belichick/Brady era, the Patriots were seeking to move to 24-0 at home in the regular season against rookie quarterbacks. Chiefs standout rookie Patrick Mahomes stood in the way.

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Attack

A post shared by Tom Brady (@tombrady) on

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Locked in. #LFG

A post shared by Julian Edelman (@edelman11) on

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Back at it again. #Gameday #LFG

A post shared by Chris Hogan (@chrishogan_15) on

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo7V4EkgIOS/?utm_source=ig_twitter_share&igshid=oi0jxryl6qyn

In the first quarter after both teams traded field goals, Patriots linebacker Dont’a Hightower recorded his first career regular season interception to set up the games first touchdown.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo-HA-shCWS/?taken-by=_boomtower

Running back Sony Michel continued his hot pace, becoming the first Patriots rookie to record a rushing touchdown in three straight games since Benjarvus Green-Ellis in 2008.

After the Chiefs responded with their second field goal, the Patriots led 10-6 after the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Patriots opened the scoring when Tom Brady found Julian Edelman for his first touchdown reception of the season, his first since the 2016 AFC Championship game. 17-6 Patriots.

Leading 17-9 following a third Chiefs field goal, rookie Sony Michel found the end zone again, becoming the first Patriots rookie with two rushing touchdowns in a game since Laurence Maroney in 2006. 24-9 Patriots heading into halftime.

HALFTIME 27-9 New England.

In the third quarter, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs began their comeback, with Mahomes finding Kareem Hunt deep for a 67-yard touchdown to close the gap to 24-16.

https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1051655179794141184

After another Chiefs field goal to cut their deficit to 27-19, the defense also made plays, forcing a Brady fumble that led to another touchdown.

https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1051666926751993856

With a minute to play in the third, Mahomes found Tyreek Hill to make it a one point game at 27-26 after three quarters.

https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1051665428806680576

Although the Patriots opened up the fourth quarter with a field goal to push the lead back up to four at 30-26, the Chiefs kept the pressure on following this 97 yard kick return by Tremon Smith.

The return setup a Mahomes to Hill 1 yard touchdown pass to give the Chiefs their first lead of the night at 33-30.

Needing to respond, Brady and the offense drove down the field on the following possession, enter Chris Hogan.

The deep ball setup this Brady four yard touchdown run to retake the lead, here comes the Clydesdale! 37-33 Patriots.

https://twitter.com/PatriotsSBLIII/status/1051672393394151424

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo-QDZ_H5LB/?hl=en&taken-by=gronk

https://twitter.com/EzekielElliott/status/1051673728663375872

With the Chiefs trailing by seven following another Patriots field goal, with three minutes to go in the game Mahomes again attacked the Patriots secondary and found Tyreek Hill for a 75-yard touchdown to tie the game at 40.

https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1051674306634084352

The good news, the Patriots had three timeouts and plenty of time…oh and some guy named Tom Brady.

With 3:03 to go in the fourth, Brady marched the Patriots down the field with a little help from his tight end.

The drive setup a 28-yard field goal attempt by Stephen Gostkowski, who drilled it for the 43-40 victory.

https://twitter.com/Patriots/status/1051677174363840513

https://twitter.com/PatriotsSBLIII/status/1051683569792356352

 

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VICTORY.

A post shared by New England Patriots (@patriots) on

https://twitter.com/NBCSCameraGuys/status/1051677477234532357

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W (Lay down @gronk! Go to sleep!)

A post shared by Tom Brady (@tombrady) on

https://twitter.com/deionbranch84/status/1051676571633881088

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https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo-m8J8h6FZ/?taken-by=sweetfeet

 

Patriots Congratulate Drew Brees For Setting NFL Passing Record

Robert Alvarez
October 9, 2018 at 2:36 pm ET

During Monday Night Football, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees set the NFL all-time record for career passing yards following a 62 yard touchdown pass to receiver Tre’Quan Smith.

Brees finished the game with a career total of 72,103 passing yards, surpassing Peyton Manning’s 71,940 for first place all-time.

Following the record breaking touchdown pass, current and former Patriots took to their social media accounts to congratulate the future Hall of Fame quarterback.

https://twitter.com/damienwoody/status/1049473481644085248

Former Patriot Donte’ Stallworth also took time to share  a person story from his first meeting with Brees.

As an added bonus, here is Peyton Manning congratulating Brees for breaking his record.

Best Of Social Media: Week 1 Texans vs Patriots

Robert Alvarez
September 11, 2018 at 3:23 pm ET

At long last the New England Patriots season opener arrived on Sunday against the upstart Houston Texans and young quarterback Deshaun Watson, who just a year earlier, gave the Pats a thriller at Gillette Stadium.

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Let’s go boys. #GameDay

A post shared by Julian Edelman (@edelman11) on

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GAME DAY MOOD!

A post shared by Jason+Devin McCourty (@mccourtytwins) on

In the first quarter, the new look Patriots defense made an immediate impact, with the help of a healthy Dont’a Hightower.

The Patriots scored first, as tight end Rob Gronkowski logged his first Gronk spike of 2018.

7-0 Patriots.

Before the end of the quarter, the Texans scored a Ka’imi Fairbairn 42 yard field goal to cut the deficit to 7-3.

To open the second, the Patriots offense continued to look crisp, as quarterback Tom Brady found James White for a 12 yard touchdown and a 14-3 lead.

Deatrich Wise and the Patriots defense continued to step up, bowling strikes along the way after sacks.

https://twitter.com/Patriots/status/1038851827071049728

Stephon Gillmore continued to keep Watson out of the end zone.

Just before the half, Gronk caught one of the more bizarre balls you’ll ever see.

https://twitter.com/WAD1980/status/1038857378551095296

The catch setup Phillip Dorsett’s first touchdown of the year and a 21-6 halftime lead.

In the third quarter, Brady and Gronk continued to connect deep. With this reception leading to another Gostkowski field goal and a 24-6 lead.

https://twitter.com/Patriots/status/1038869569299861504

With under two to play in the third, the Texans finally found the end zone when Alfred Blue ran it in from the one on Watson’s first successful drive of the afternoon. 24-13 Patriots after three.

In the fourth quarter, Doresett continued to impress, setting up another Gostkowski field goal to extend the lead to 27-13.

Nursing a two touchdown lead, return man Riley McCarron made things interesting following a muffed punt that lead to a Bruce Ellington five yard touchdown reception from Deshaun Watson. 27-20 Patriots.

So with the Texans down just seven, Ryan Allen and the special teams unit delivered as Houston was unable to tie the game and the Patriots would go on to win week 1 27-20.

https://twitter.com/Patriots/status/1038884315914887168

 

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12 & 99.

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W

A post shared by Tom Brady (@tombrady) on

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Week one ✔️

A post shared by David Andrews (@bear_6060) on

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnkQJ2pnL6z/?hl=en&taken-by=gronk

Best Of Social Media: AFC Divisional Playoffs Titans vs Patriots

Robert Alvarez
January 14, 2018 at 10:56 pm ET

The Patriots entered the 2017 Divisional Playoffs as heavy favorites over the upstart Tennessee Titans, but were seeking to advance to their seventh consecutive AFC championship game.

A post shared by Tom Brady (@tombrady) on

See you tonight #PATSNATION #NOTDONE #LETSGOO #UNDRAFTED @todaysathletes

A post shared by Chris Hogan (@chrishogan_15) on

(Check out the follow up to this Tweet with a story by WBZ-TV HERE)

https://twitter.com/dtheis10/status/952353651946860544

In the first quarter, it was the Titans who drew first blood, as Marcus Mariota found an unlikely target for his first touchdown, rookie Corey Davis who got his first career NFL touchdown reception in the most important of games. An incredible one handed highlight grab to stun the Foxboro faithful early on.

Seeking a response after struggling to find a rhythm in the first quarter, the Patriots opened the second with a long drive that resulted in the game tying score on a quick catch and run by James White.

Two drives later, same guy, same result. The Patriots would jump ahead 14-7 for their first lead of the game, they would not relinquish it.

Chris Hogan, who battled injuries throughout 2017 that resulted in him missing seven of the final eight regular season games, only caught one pass in this game, but made it count. 21-7 Patriots heading into halftime.

In the second half, with running back depth thin due to the absence of Rex Burkhead and Mike Gillislee, Brandon Bolden saw surprise action against the Titans, and scored his first touchdown since 2015. 28-7 Patriots.

The Patriots opened up a 28-7 lead after three quarters and the rout was on.

Seeking to put the finishing touches on yet another divisional round victory, Tom Brady found Rob Gronkowski, and of course, a Gronk spike ensued.

The Patriots defense played a big role in keeping the Titans offense out of the end zone, allowing just two touchdowns all game, the second coming in garbage time when Mariota found Corey Davis again to bring the final score to 35-14.

A post shared by Tom Brady (@tombrady) on

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Wrong place at the wrong time #notdone #ICameToFlex #duh #ItsNotRocketScience

A post shared by Dion Lewis (@d_lew33) on

Still going..

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Those my dawgs fasho! #NotDone

A post shared by James White (@sweetfeet) on

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Best Of Social Media: The New England Patriots Celebrate Thanksgiving

Robert Alvarez
November 23, 2017 at 8:00 pm ET

As the New England Patriots prepare for their Week 12 matchup with the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, the team took a break from the action of the football season to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday. Many current and former Patriots took to social media to share well wishes to fans as they spent time with their families this evening.

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Our biscuit master Mr @tombrady and his pupil❤

A post shared by Gisele Bündchen (@gisele) on

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bb2A0AJBr1c/?hl=en&taken-by=edelman11

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bb19uQcHaLH/?taken-by=lindaholliday_

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Patriots Voice Support For Celtics and Gordon Hayward Following Injury

Robert Alvarez
October 18, 2017 at 8:17 pm ET

On Tuesday night the Boston Celtics played the Cleveland Cavaliers in their first game of the 2017-2018 MBA season and to show support for their fellow New England sports athletes, members of the Patriots shared good luck messages to the local basketball team.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BaWy5YWhwL5/?hl=en&taken-by=edelman11

Midway through the first quarter, forward Gordon Hayward went down with a devasating leg injury that saw many current and former Patriots players react with shock and well wishes for a speedy recovery.

https://twitter.com/TheRealVRVJ/status/920443924065456129

https://twitter.com/deionbranch84/status/920446557161512961

https://twitter.com/LG_Blount/status/920445243367051264

 

Best Of Social Media: The New England Patriots Championship Banner Ceremony

Robert Alvarez
September 11, 2017 at 12:00 pm ET

While Thursday nights outcome wasn’t what Patriots fans had hoped for, the opening night pregame ceremony was still a sight to behold as it finally closed the book on the teams 2016 championship season.

Some of the best sights and sounds from the pregame atmosphere can be seen below, beginning with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s brief appearance on the field, and the crowd response.

“Operation Clown Face” dubbed Barstool Sports founder David Portnoy appeared to be a complete success as the clown towels could be seen all around the lower bowl near Goodell.

In an interview with WBZ TV’s Steve Burton following his appearance on field, Goodell was quoted saying ““These fans are passionate, they’re loyal, they love the game and I totally get their reaction, so it’s fun to be here and it’s the kickoff to the season.”

As Goodell walked off, Brady took the field, neither interacted.

As for the moment everyone was waiting for, the banner ceremony kicked off with a performance from “Flo Rida” and actor Mark Wahlberg on the microphone introducing Patriots alumni and a current Patriot from five massive on field Lombardi trophies, accompanied by banners.

Kevin Faulk, Matt Light, Deion Branch, and Julian Edelman all taking the field with the hardware beside team owner Robert Kraft.

The ceremony also contained references to the Super Bowl score pre-comeback all throughout Gillette Stadium.

Banner number five revealed.

With the banner officially raised, the New England Patriots can finally fulfill head coach Bill Belichick’s long standing wishes, who continues to be sick of people living in the past during his post game press conference following the disappointing 42-17 loss that put a damper on the festivities.

We’re onto New Orleans.