FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – When New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski arrived at his locker Thursday, he playfully took a few items and put them behind where he’d be standing. He joked that it was for “product placement” as the cameras pointed in his direction.

It was a brief glimpse of “Gronk the Businessman.”

Soon enough, he was asked about “Gronk the Maturing Football Player.”

Gronkowski’s maturity has been noted by quarterback Tom Brady in recent weeks, as the 2010 second-round draft choice has a different perspective after almost five full seasons in the NFL.

“I grew up a lot [smiling],” Gronkowski said when asked about how different he is now compared to his rookie year.

“Just being in the league a few years, you see the ins and outs -- how older guys do everything, how they last; and how you see some guys come in and leave right away and see what they did. And see guys like Tom and Rob Ninkovich, Revis, older guys like that, and see what they do and how they practice. It leads [by] example.”

Injuries have also added to Gronkowski’s perspective.

“Oh yeah, no doubt. It can be taken away any time,” he said. “Don’t take anything for granted.”

Two other sound bites from Gronkowski:

On Darrelle Revis: “He’s a great player, with ball skills, and so relaxed out there that you don’t even think he’s trying. That’s how good he is, When you see a player like that, you say, ‘Is he trying?’ Because he’s right at the ball every time. That means he has a lot of skills, he’s quick on his feet, and the way he reacts to the ball is unbelievable.”

Preparing to face the Jets. “It doesn’t make a difference in records at all. The Jets are always a tough team, always physical, and always ready to play. It’s always a big game against them.”