Gronkowski has been in the news plenty during the NFL offseason. (Getty Images)

We've documented Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski's various off-field activities in recent months mostly because of the unintentional comedy surrounding whatever it is he's doing. Back in October, he had to apologize for taking a picture with an adult film star (ironically, it was one of the rare occasions where Gronk had his shirt on). And hours after the Super Bowl loss to the Giants, Gronkowksi and former teammate Matt Light were seen dancing away their troubles (yes, topless) at a postgame party. (This did not sit well with NBC Sports analyst and former Pats player Rodney Harrison.) Continuing with the nudity theme, the New England tight end was on the cover of ESPN The Magazine's recent "Body Issue."

Earlier this offseason the Patriots wisely gave Gronkowski a contract extension since he's one of the two best tight ends on the planet. But as uncle Ben reminds us: "With great power comes great responsibility." Put another way: New England has kindly asked that Gronk tone it down. And not just a little -- all the way. Details via the Boston Globe's Shalise Manza Young.

"After posing nude for ESPN The Magazine’s 'Body Issue' and partying at events for the issue and the ESPYs (Gronkowski was up for two awards but was shut out)," Young wrote Sunday, "and co-hosting 'Access Hollywood Live' in recent days -- things that seem un-Patriot-like -- don’t be surprised if he lays low for the next couple of weeks. Via a league source, Gronkowski has been told by the team that his summer of Gronk, so to speak, is over."

Interestingly, here's what Gronkowski told Access Hollywood's Michelle Beadle and Holly Robinson-Peete earlier this week about the "Body Issue" cover.

“The good thing is it came out a few weeks before we actually get to the locker room, so I’m hoping they’ll forget,” he said. … “It will be [plastered in the locker room] and I’m sure there will be a comment board or something and everyone can put their comments up.”

Turns out they didn't forget. That said, on the scale of cringeworthy things that you can't unsee, nothing Gronk has done compares to this. Either way, maybe Gronkowski should just stick to family-friendly endeavors like celebrity home run derbies.

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