Gronkowski says he's misunderstood with reputation for partying

Rob Gronkowski cultivated his image as the NFL's resident party boy, but he insists there's more to him than what meets the eye.

Gronkowski is apparently becoming as well-known for his on-field dominance with the New England Patriots as he is for his clubbing exploits and lamented the perception of him in a recent interview.

"People misunderstand who I truly am," Gronkowski said to GQ's Devin Friedman. "Truly who I am. If I go somewhere, people just think I'm a party boy 24/7. Like, it's a Monday night and I walk into a restaurant and people start handing me shots. I'm like, 'Yo, I'm in season right now. I just played a game, I can hardly walk.'"

Gronkowski donned the cover of GQ alongside Hailey Clauson and is certainly enjoying his offseason, but wanted to make it clear that he's a consummate professional.

However, the Patriots' superstar tight end admitted that he doesn't drink casually when he elects to imbibe.

"I don't drink because I like the taste," Gronkowski said. "Beer is nasty. I would never sit there and have a beer with dinner - it would ruin my whole meal. I drink to have fun, to feel good, to get tipsy. But my drink of choice is vodka and water."