Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski will be taking off his shirt again, although it probably won’t generate quite as much controversy as his topless gyrations following the Super Bowl.
Gronkowski will be one of the athletes doffing their tops and much more for ESPN the Magazine’s annual “Body Issue.” The issue features photos of athletes from many different sports posing without clothes, purportedly because it shows off their athletic frames and not because there are segments of the population that enjoys looking at naked men and women from any walk of life. Any potentially offensive bits will be covered up, so Gronkowski, who the Associated Press reports signed up several months ago, should be able to avoid the fate of fellow tight end Visanthe Shiancoe.
Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew will also be in the issue. That should provide him ample reason to stay in top shape while staying away from the Jags in a contract spat, although his desire to become the NFL’s all-time leading rusher should have an impact on that front as well.
A slew of other athletes will join Gronkowski and Jones-Drew in the issue, including several members of this summer’s U.S. Olympic Team.