Rob Gronkowski
Rob Gronkowski, widely known by his nickname Gronk, is a former NFL Tight End for the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Born and raised in Amherst, New York, he went on to become a standout at the University of Arizona and was selected by the Patriots in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft. During his nine-year tenure with the Patriots, Gronkowski played a crucial role in the Patriots’ success, helping the team to three Super Bowl victories (XLIX, LI, LIII). He became a favorite target of Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, forming one of the most formidable tandems in NFL history.
After a brief hiatus, Gronkowski made a return to the league in 2020, and along with Brady led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to win Super Bowl LV, his fourth championship.
Gronkowski set numerous NFL single-season, career, and Super Bowl records, is a five-time Pro Bowl and four-time First Team All-Pro selection, and was named to the NFL’s 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, among countless other accolades. Over the course of what will likely be commemorated as a Hall of Fame career, he amassed an impressive 621 receptions, 9,286 yards and 92 touchdowns.
Since his retirement from the NFL, he’s had numerous appearances in film and television, and is currently an analyst for Fox Sports.
Together with his family, Gronkowski founded the Gronk Nation Youth Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to inspiring and supporting youth to reach their maximum potential through sports, education, and community involvement. Through his Foundation, Gronkowski has made a significant impact on countless lives, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to the community that has supported him throughout his career. The Foundation is currently building Gronk Playground along the Esplanade in Boston.