Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski poses with adorable kittens

After pushing through two injury-marred seasons, New England Patriots tight end sat down for an interview with ESPN The Magazine to talk about how he muddled through the tough times and got back to his A-game. Wanting to showcase Gronkowski's softer side alongside the interview, ESPN The Magazine featured the Hulk-like NFL star with adorably tiny kittens. Check them out in the gallery below.

Gronk's charming personality shined in his interview with ESPN SportCenter anchor Lindsay Czarniak.

CZARNIAK: You're here being photographed with kittens. What is the softer side of Gronk?
GRONKOWSKI: My softer side? I mean, I like to snuggle.

According to Gronk's teammates, Patriots coach Bill Belichick showed the entire team the magazine's kitten photos on Thursday Dec. 11, poking a bit of fun at the gentle giant.

"Bill brought it up this morning in team meeting, and we had a couple chuckles about it," cornerback Darrelle Revis told ESPN. "It was pretty funny this morning. I guess Gronk has a soft side to his personality."

"It was pure laughter in there this morning," added receiver Brandon LaFell.

In the interview, Gronk had nothing but kind words for his coach and team, especially quarterback Tom Brady.

"If Tom Brady believes I can do it, then I believe, said Gronkowski. "It was meaningful when he said, 'I love you and I see so much potential in you.'"

CZARNIAK: What do you get Tom Brady for Christmas?
GRONKOWSKI: Catch his passes. I think that's all he wants. I never really got him anything. Maybe this year. We'll see what he gets me first.

The kittens were provided by Guardian Angels Cat Rescue.

Check out Gronkowski's full interview in ESPN The Magazine. The Interview Issue, featuring top newsmakers in sports this year, comes out Friday.