Mike Gesicki not looking for revenge in Patriots matchup vs. Dolphins

FOXBOROUGH – Mike Gesicki was one of the best tight ends in the NFL.

During the 2021 season, he finished with 73 receptions for 780 yards. That placed him seventh among tight ends in receiving yards and fifth in receptions. The outstanding production led the Miami Dolphins to placing the franchise tag on Gesicki during the next offseason.

However, that year also marked the first with new head coach Mike McDaniel. Gesicki’s numbers dropped and he finished 29th among tight ends with 362 receiving yards. The tight end received a much-needed fresh start when he signed with the Patriots this offseason. Now, he has a chance to show the Dolphins what they’re missing.

The Patriots Sunday night matchup with the Dolphins would be a perfect time for Gesicki to exact revenge on his former team. However, the 27-year-old said that isn’t his mindset.

“I was excited to play in the game last week. I’ll be excited to play next week,” Gesicki said. “It’s the National Football League. I’m excited to play football every single Sunday. Obviously, people are going to try to make it something that it’s ultimately not. It’s a football game and an opportunity to go out there and play.”

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Part of the reason Gesicki isn’t searching for vengeance is due to how much he loves being in New England. The tight end made his Patriots debut last weekend, finishing with three catches for 33 yards. He bested that receiving yard mark just four times in 17 games with the Dolphins last season.

For someone relatively new to the Patriots, Gesicki had no problem fitting in. He’s a player who thrives off positivity. It’s not unusual to see him smiling or dancing once he gets on the field.

“I’m always trying to do anything I can to get the crowd going, get our offense going, you know, bring some juice,” Gesicki said. “Like I caught the first down the other day on that drive. We were down 16-0 and I’m running around like we just won the Super Bowl. I’m always going to have fun. I’m always going to enjoy myself. You work so damn hard for these opportunities that come on Sunday. I’m not going to let one pass.”

Gesicki was with the Dolphins for the first five seasons of his NFL career. He put together some great performances with back-to-back 700-yard seasons in 2021 and 2022. It might not have ended the way he would’ve liked last year, but he looks back on his time in Miami fondly and is happy with his new home.

“People were awesome down there,” Gesicki said. “I was always thankful for them and grateful for it, but I’m definitely happy where I am now and I’m happy to be a Patriot.”