FOXBORO, Mass. — Rob Gronkowski was on the receiving end of Bill Belichick’s sneaky sense of humor Thursday.

The New England Patriots head coach showed the team pictures of Gronkowski posing with kittens from the latest issue of ESPN The Magazine during a team meeting. The display was met with predictable laughs.

“Bill does a great job of trying to soften the mood sometimes,” cornerback Darrelle Revis said. “He did this morning, and guys had a little chuckle about it, then we moved on. It was pretty funny.”

Gronkowski’s teammates weren’t sure what to make of the photos.

“It’s kinda weird, but I guess Gronk has a soft side to his personality,” Revis said about the tight end.

“I love kittens, but they have sharp nails,” defensive end Rob Ninkovich said. “I’m not messing with them, digging into your chest. I’m more of a puppy guy. It shows his lighter side.”

Gronkowski had no interest in talking about his photo shoot.

“Ah man, I just gotta talk about the Dolphins today,” Gronkowski said. “I’m just worried about the Miami Dolphins right now.”

Photo via Twitter/@ESPNNFL