On Friday – Packers tight end, Robert “Big Bob” Tonyan, made and appearance on The Rich Eisen Show. During his appearance, Tonyan touched on a number of different topics which included his off season workout plans, building upon his stellar 2020 season and of course his quarterback, reigning NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers – who is currently at odds with with the Packers organization.
When asked about any conversations he has had with Rodgers surrounding the QB’s situation, Tonyan stated that the two talk regularly, just not about business.
“That’s not a part of our friendship. We just leave that to the businessmen,” Tonyan said. “… Aaron’s been the quarterback of the Green Bay Packers for 16 years. I’ve been the tight end for four years. I think that’s above my pay grade. I don’t want to talk for him and all that stuff. That’s just a business thing.”
After being cut by the Lions before the start of his rookie season in 2017, Tonyan found himself on the Packers practice squad. Through hard work and a desire to be great, “Big Bob” clawed his way onto the official 53-man roster and even earned some playing time during the 2018 and 19′ seasons – catching 14 passes and two touchdowns over that two year span. Last season, with the departure of Jimmy Graham, Tonyan stepped into the starting roll and had himself a true breakout season.
In 2020 Tonyan became one of the Packers primary weapons in the passing game, catching 52 passes and 11 touchdowns, which (according to the leagues advanced analytics) earned him the title of the most reliable receiving target in the entire NFL. A title that he is determined to prove was not an accident.
“I do not have any statistical goals [for this upcoming season] yet” Tonyan told Rich Eisen. “Just embracing me and just becoming a better man every day is my personal goal right now in this offseason, just to take in and hone a mindset that what I did last year is me. Its not a fluke, it wasn’t just one season, it wasn’t lucky. Thats what I stand on. I stand on my hard work, I stand on my determination and I want to win just as much as anyone in that locker room.”
Robert Tonyan solidified his place as one of the elite tight ends the NFL has to offer. He was one of the premier pass catchers on a 13-3 Packer team that fell just one game short of the Super Bowl. After listening to him speak on Friday, there is no doubt that he is committed to greatness, both individually and in terms of team success.
Although he did not definitively state anything about the Rodgers-Packers situation, he did seem confident that he will be picking up right where he left off last season, with No. 12 under center.
“I’m just going to continue to get better and play tight end for the Green Bay Packers. If, when or whatever happens and Aaron comes back, I’m ready, and there’s no gray area with me. I’m ready to hit the ground running and win a Super Bowl whenever he’s back.”
There are still a lot of question marks surrounding this Green Bay Packers team as we inch closer to the start of the 2021 NFL season. But there is one thing we know for sure. The Packers have a real one at tight end, Robert Tonyan has the mindset of a champion.
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