FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 24: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots reacts with Danny Amendola #80 after catching a touchdown pass during the second quarter of a game against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts.

Gronkowski explains meaning of 'Be FREE' Instagram message to Amendola

Adam Glanzman / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Rob Gronkowski raised a few eyebrows with his farewell message to former teammate Danny Amendola in March, as some interpreted his emphasis on "Be FREE, Be HAPPY" to be a dig at New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.

But in an interview with Ben Baskin of The MMQB, Gronkowski said that was far from the case.

"That's for the whole world," the tight end said. "That would be amazing if the whole world was free and happy. I love life. Free and happy."

It was a honor playing with ya the past 5 years @dannyamendola Thanks for all the hugs and memories! Stay lit, Be FREE, Be HAPPY. Your hard work, the way you play at your size, the pain you fought through, the hits you take and get right back up talking shit back. I appreciated it all. Congrats. Enjoy Miami kid.

A post shared by Rob Gronkowski (@gronk) on Mar 14, 2018 at 8:41am PDT