Second-year tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez have emerged as a terror for opposing defenses, compiling 169 receptions for 2,237 yards and 25 total touchdowns during the regular season. They've got contrasting styles — Gronkowski has the thunderous power, and Hernandez boasts the lightning quickness — and it affords the Patriots the ability to attack defenses in different ways.
They've also got a goofy air about them off the field, for better or worse, and they've grown together as young, budding NFL stars, referring to each other as brothers.
"A lot of people say that just to say it, but we really are [brothers]," Hernandez said. "We're really close. We love each other, and we have a great relationship."
Their lockers are side by side, and when they're in the room together, they're usually joking around in one manner or another. While they've got some refreshing personalities, Hernandez mentioned they needed to raise their maturity levels, both as players and people, during their rookie seasons.
"There was a lot of screaming at us, a lot of discipline," Hernandez said. "Obviously, over the two years, we got a lot of help, and we have great players around us that get us ready and prepared for the game. We're in a great organization that makes sure we know each detail of each route, how to run it and where we need to be. We got taught a lot of discipline. That's obviously why we've had some success.
"That first year for us, coming in, it was kind of rough, a little screaming in our ears. Obviously, over time, we've matured and became a lot better."
It's also sparked an underground movement to tag the two with a nickname, and they've heard some of the better ones out there. Hernandez likes "Shake and Quake," and Gronkowski is a fan of "The Boston T.E. Party," but they've decided to put their heads together and come up with their own label.
"I keep getting asked about the two nicknames," Gronkowski said. "Aaron and I are going to meet together, and we are going to think of a name. It is pretty fun that they are thinking of a name, but "Shake and Quake?" I like "The Boston T.E. Party," that was pretty cool. I guess those two are the top contenders right now."
Hernandez was mostly appreciative of the fan support.
"It's awesome," Hernandez said of the nickname movement. "Obviously, I love this sport, and I love my fans. In New England, we have great fans. It's good."
The tight end tandem took their show to the postseason last weekend, too. Gronkowski set a franchise record with three receiving touchdowns to go along with 10 receptions and 145 yards, and Hernandez had four catches for 55 yards and a score, as well as a surprising role out of the backfield with five carries for 61 yards.
While they complement each other on the field, they're also very complimentary of one another in the locker room, and they're not afraid to admit it.
"We always knew about each other," Hernandez said. "It's been two years. We're buddies now."
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