Martellus Bennett, a polarizing figure in the NFL, apparently is having a positive impact on one of his new teammates.
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski says he admires Bennett as a reader and a thinker.
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"I was just thinking, everyone that reads books says they love reading books," Gronkowski said, via The Providence Journal . "It got me thinking that I want to go down that path. It feels like it keeps your mind rolling with ideas. That’s great to have."
The All-Pro and his backup got to know each other in training camp this year as Bennett took the time to ride with teammates to the team’s facility.
Like his brother, Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett, the Pro Bowl tight end is more known more for his filterless answers to the media than his intellect. But carpooling to work gave Bennett's teammate a chance to see another side of him.
"It’s neat. He’s always thinking," Gronk added. "His mind is always thinking. He’s a very intellectual guy, that’s very creative and smart. If you need any ideas, you just ask him and boom, he’ll come up with it. You’ll be like, 'Damn, that’s right.'"
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Bennett has given out book recommendations to several teammates, including Gronkowski.
"When you talk to people, you can hear what they’re really passionate about," Bennett said. "For him, it’s working out, food, sports, the mental mindset of the game. I was like, ‘Oh, 'The Inner Game of Tennis' will be a good book for you.'"