Rob Gronkowski

Gronkowski was born in Amherst, New York, on May 14, 1989, and was raised in nearby Williamsville.{{Cite web |last=O'Malley |first=Nick |date=December 14, 2019 |title=Rob Gronkowski named to NFL 100 All-Time Team: Retired Patriot one of five TEs named |url=https://www.masslive.com/patriots/2019/12/rob-gronkowski-named-to-nfl-100-all-time-team-retired-patriot-one-of-five-tes-named.html |access-date=November 2, 2020 |website=masslive |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Nagy |first=Patrick J. |date=March 24, 2020 |title=Williamsville native Rob Gronkowski named host of WrestleMania 36 |url=https://www.clarencebee.com/articles/williamsville-native-rob-gronkowski-named-host-of-wrestlemania-36/ |access-date=November 2, 2020 |website=Clarence Bee}} He is the second youngest son of Gordon Gronkowski and Diane Walters.{{Cite web |last=Handel |first=Craig |date=February 4, 2018 |title=Rob Gronkowski's mother, a Fort Myers resident, raised some big boys |url=https://www.naplesnews.com/story/news/archive/2018/02/04/rob-gronkowskis-mother-fort-myers-resident-raised-some-big-boys/304938002/ |access-date=March 27, 2019 |website=Naples Daily News |language=en}} His father is a former college football guard for Syracuse University from 1977 to 1981 and later founded a high-end fitness equipment business.{{Cite web |last=Webb |first=Donnie |date=January 10, 2007 |title=Gronk to Arizona |url=https://www.syracuse.com/orangefootball/2007/01/gronk_to_arizona.html |access-date=September 15, 2020 |website=Syracuse.com |quote=Gronkowski is the son of former Syracuse University football player Gordon Gronkowski (1977–81).}}{{Citation |last=Chase |title=Rob Gronkowski Talks About His Financial Plays {{!}} Kneading Dough S.2, E.4 |date=August 24, 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2rMafJgoZg |access-date=February 15, 2019}} He is a great-grandson of Ignatius Gronkowski who represented the United States in cycling at the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris, France, and held five world records in the sport.{{Cite web |last=Bowen |first=Bob |date=January 19, 2018 |title=Patriots Star Gronkowski's Great Grandfather Was Olympic Cyclist |url=https://usbhof.org/patriots-star-gronkowskis-great-grandfather-was-olympic-cyclist/ |access-date=March 27, 2019 |publisher=U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame |language=en-US}} Gronkowski's parents divorced in 2008. His four brothers – Gordie, Dan, Chris, and Glenn – all played collegiate sports, and later played professionally.{{Cite web |last=Mees |first=Scott |date=February 5, 2012 |title=Pats' tight end almost played for Miners |url=http://thesouthern.com/news/local/pats-tight-end-almost-played-for-miners/article_2932d2de-4fb6-11e1-862c-001871e3ce6c.html |access-date=March 27, 2019 |website=The Southern Illinoisan}}{{Cite web |title=Player Bio: Dan Gronkowski |url=http://umterps.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/gronkowski_dan00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090105074932/http://umterps.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/gronkowski_dan00.html |archive-date=January 5, 2009 |access-date=January 12, 2009 |website=University of Maryland Athletics}}{{Cite web |date=April 23, 2013 |title=San Diego Chargers sign fullback Chris Gronkowski |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/san-diego-chargers-sign-fullback-chris-gronkowski-0ap1000000162818 |access-date=March 27, 2019 |website=NFL.com |agency=Associated Press}}{{Cite web |last=Bergman |first=Jeremy |date=October 1, 2016 |title=Patriots add Glenn Gronkowski to practice squad |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/patriots-add-glenn-gronkowski-to-practice-squad-0ap3000000712872 |access-date=March 27, 2019 |website=NFL.com}}

Gronkowski played hockey until he was 14; he then started playing basketball.{{Cite web |last=Guregian |first=Karen |date=December 31, 2015 |title=No surprise: Rob Gronkowski 'super aggressive' when he played hockey |url=https://www.bostonherald.com/2015/12/31/no-surprise-rob-gronkowski-super-aggressive-when-he-played-hockey/ |access-date=March 27, 2019 |website=Boston Herald}} He attended Williamsville North High School (WNHS) for his first three years of high school, playing tight end and defensive end, as well as freshman kickoff specialist, supposedly due to his having the biggest feet on the team; center in basketball; and first baseman in baseball for the WNHS Spartans.{{Cite magazine |last=Vrentas |first=Jenny |date=January 26, 2018 |title=Rob Gronkowski In High School: A Dominant Athlete, But Keep an Eye on the Gronk-O-Meter |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/01/26/super-bowl-52-rob-gronkowski-patriots-buffalo-area-williamsville-north-high-school-tradavious-white-hit |access-date=March 27, 2019 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en}} As a junior playing football, he recorded 36 receptions for 648 yards and seven touchdowns on offense, and 73 tackles and six sacks on defense. He was named an All-Western New York first-team and All-State second-team player.{{Cite web |title=Player Bio: Rob Gronkowski |url=https://arizonawildcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=147 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100703225155/http://www.arizonawildcats.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/gronkowski_rob00.html |archive-date=July 3, 2010 |access-date=September 23, 2018 |website=University of Arizona}} Academically, Gronkowski was in the National Honor Society, citing math as his best subject, and English the worst.{{Cite web |last=Silberman |first=Lindsay |date=June 1, 2015 |title=It's Great to Be Gronk |url=http://dujour.com/lifestyle/rob-gronkowski-patriots-pictures-interview/ |access-date=March 27, 2019 |website=DuJour |language=en-US}}

In 2006, Gronkowski moved to suburban Pittsburgh, where he attended Woodland Hills High School for his senior year. Initially ruled ineligible by the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League because of his transfer,{{Cite news |last=White |first=Mike |date=August 26, 2006 |title=WPIAL benches high school football transfer |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06234/715337-49.stm |access-date=November 17, 2010 |work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette}} he recorded eight receptions for 152 yards and four touchdowns at Woodland Hills after the ruling of ineligibility was overturned. He was named a SuperPrep All-American, PrepStar All-American, Associated Press Class 4-A all-state, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette "Fabulous 22", Pittsburgh Post-Gazette first-team all-conference, The Patriot-News (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania) "Platinum 33", and a Pittsburgh Tribune-Review "Terrific 25" player. He was recruited by Kentucky, Arizona, Clemson, Louisville, Maryland, Ohio State, and Syracuse.{{Cite web |title=Rob Gronkowski Profile |url=http://recruiting.scout.com/a.z?s=73&p=8&c=1&nid=2138007 |access-date=April 30, 2009 |website=Scout.com}} Gronkowski graduated from Woodland Hills in 2007 with a 3.75 GPA and 1560 out of 2400 SAT score.{{Cite web |date=2007 |title=Scholar Athlete Banquet |url=https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ENE8oKDXUAA1LES.jpg |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200109073754/https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ENE8oKDXUAA1LES.jpg |archive-date=January 9, 2020 |website=The Total Media}}

After graduating from high school, Gronkowski attended the University of Arizona as a Pre-Business major and played for the Arizona Wildcats football team from 2007 to 2009 under head coach Mike Stoops.{{Cite web |last=Kelapire |first=Ryan |date=January 22, 2018 |title=Mike Stoops proud of 'my Arizona crew' for reaching the Super Bowl |url=https://www.azdesertswarm.com/football/2018/1/22/16918268/arizona-wildcats-super-bowl-nick-foles-mike-stoops-proud-nfl-gronkowski-flowers |access-date=June 18, 2022 |website=Arizona Desert Swarm |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Rob Gronkowski College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/rob-gronkowski-1.html |access-date=May 31, 2024 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Arizona Wildcats Coaches |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/arizona/coaches.html |access-date=April 14, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} As a freshman in 2007, he recorded 28 receptions for 525 yards and six touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Rob Gronkowski 2007 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/rob-gronkowski-1/gamelog/2007/ |access-date=April 14, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} His 18.8 yards per reception average was the best on the team and his receiving yards were a school record for a tight end. He was named The Sporting News freshman All-American, Rivals.com freshman All-American, The Sporting News freshman Pac-10, and All-Pac-10 honorable mention player.

Gronkowski missed the first three games of the 2008 season, but later recorded 47 receptions for 672 yards and a team-best ten touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=2008 Arizona Wildcats Stats |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/arizona/2008.html |access-date=April 14, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Rob Gronkowski 2008 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/rob-gronkowski-1/gamelog/2008/ |access-date=April 14, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} Five of his touchdowns were scored in his first two games against UCLA and Washington.{{Cite web |title=Arizona at UCLA Box Score, September 20, 2008 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2008-09-20-ucla.html |access-date=April 14, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Washington at Arizona Box Score, October 4, 2008 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2008-10-04-arizona.html |access-date=April 14, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} He was twice named the John Mackey National Tight End of the Week, including his performance in a failed comeback bid against Oregon, when he caught 12 passes for 143 yards.{{Cite web |date=October 8, 2008 |title=Gronkowski National TE of the Week |url=https://arizonawildcats.com/sports/2008/10/8/207964005.aspx |access-date=May 31, 2024 |website=University of Arizona Athletics |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=November 19, 2008 |title=Gronkowski National TE of the Week |url=https://arizonawildcats.com/sports/2008/11/19/207955298.aspx |access-date=May 31, 2024 |website=University of Arizona Athletics |language=en}} He set the school records for a tight end for single-game, single-season, and career receptions, yards, and touchdowns. Gronkowski was named an Associated Press third-team All-American and All-Pac-10 first-team tight end.

Prior to the 2009 season, Gronkowski was placed on the watchlist for the Lombardi Award.{{Cite web |date=March 2, 2009 |title=Gronkowski on Early National Radar |url=http://www.arizonaathletics.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/030209aaa.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120721222823/http://www.arizonaathletics.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/030209aaa.html |archive-date=July 21, 2012 |access-date=April 27, 2010 |website=University of Arizona}} He missed his junior season in 2009 due to back surgery, which caused his draft stock to fall.{{Cite web |last=Perry |first=Phil |date=July 15, 2015 |title=Gronk opens up on college back injury, retirement thoughts |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/new-england-patriots/gronk-opens-college-back-injury-retirement-thoughts |access-date=June 18, 2022 |website=NBC Sports – Boston |language=en}}

{{NFL predraft

| height ft = 6

| height in = 6 1/4

| weight = 264

| dash = 4.68

| ten split = 1.58

| twenty split = 2.68

| shuttle = 4.47

| cone drill = 7.18

| vertical = 33.5

| broad ft = 9

| broad in = 11

| bench = 23

| wonderlic = 32{{Cite web |last=Bateman |first=Oliver Lee |date=March 26, 2019 |title=The Ineffable Bro-ness of Rob Gronkowski |url=https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/the-ineffable-bro-ness-of-rob-gronkowski |access-date=November 15, 2020 |website=MEL Magazine |language=en-US}}

| arm span = 34 1/4

| hand span = 10 3/4

| note = All values from Arizona Pro Day,{{Cite web |title=*Rob Gronkowski, Arizona, TE, 2010 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football |url=http://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=70168&DraftYear=2010 |access-date=November 2, 2016 |website=DraftScout.com}} except measurements and BP (from the NFL Combine).{{Cite web |title=Rob Gronkowski Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/rob-gronkowski/32004752-4f13-5948-af95-481204a115ed |access-date=November 2, 2016 |website=NFL.com}} Did not participate in most combine events due to a back injury.

}}

{{quote box

| align = right

| width = 28%

| quote = "So Rob Gronkowski, certainly an interesting player. Excellent size, very well thought of down there by Coach [Mike] Stoops and his staff. I think as we saw there, in New York, he's kind of a fun loving guy who enjoys having a good time, but he plays like that, too. He plays with a good attitude. He's aggressive."{{Cite web |last=Howe |first=Jeff |date=May 11, 2010 |title=Rob Gronkowski's Draft-Day Emotions Will Translate Well to Football Field for Patriots |url=https://nesn.com/2010/05/rob-gronkowskis-draft-day-antics-will-translate-well-to-football-field/ |access-date=2020-04-09 |website=NESN}}

–Coach Bill Belichick, April 2010

}}Gronkowski was drafted by the New England Patriots in the second round with the 42nd overall pick in the 2010 NFL draft, after a draft day trade with the Oakland Raiders; in pre-draft evaluations revealed in May 2016, Raiders scouts had rated Gronkowski as the "best all-around player in the draft".{{Cite web |last=Phillips |first=Tom |date=April 23, 2010 |title=2010 NFL Draft: Rob Gronkowski Selected by New England Patriots |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/383438-2010-nfl-draft-rob-gronkowski-selected-by-new-england-patriots |access-date=June 18, 2022 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=May 9, 2016 |title=Unearthed pre-draft evaluations from 2010 reveal Raiders thought Rob Gronkowski was 'best all-around player in the draft' |url=https://weei.radio.com/blogs/unearthed-pre-draft-evaluations-2010-reveal-raiders-thought-rob-gronkowski-was-best-all-around |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501013320/https://weei.radio.com/blogs/unearthed-pre-draft-evaluations-2010-reveal-raiders-thought-rob-gronkowski-was-best-all-around |archive-date=May 1, 2019 |access-date=April 14, 2018 |website=weei.radio.com |language=en}} He became the highest drafted tight end out of Arizona, breaking the mark set by Brandon Manumaleuna in 2001.{{Cite web |title=Arizona Drafted Players/Alumni |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/schools/arizona/drafted.htm |access-date=November 15, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He signed a four-year contract on July 25, 2010.{{Cite web |last=Reiss |first=Mike |date=July 25, 2010 |title=Gronkowski signs rookie deal |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4680302/gronkowski-signs-rookie-deal |access-date=July 25, 2010 |website=ESPNBoston.com}} The deal was worth $4.4 million, with a $1.76 million signing bonus.{{Cite web |last=Akhtar |first=Allana |date=February 3, 2019 |title=Super Bowl 2019 Could Be Rob Gronkowski's Last Game Ever |url=https://money.com/super-bowl-liii-could-be-rob-gronkowskis-last-game-ever-heres-everything-we-know-about-his-money/ |access-date=November 15, 2020 |website=Money.com |language=en}}

{{external media|width=285px|video1=[http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-draft/09000d5d817be425/Patriots-pick-Rob-Gronkowski 2010 NFL Draft: Rob Gronkowski]|video2=[http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-videos/09000d5d8177eae1/2010-Draft-Vignettes-Rob-Gronkowski-Arizona 2010 NFL Draft Vignette: Rob Gronkowski]}}

During the preseason, Gronkowski was one of three NFL players to score four touchdowns, tying Victor Cruz, a rookie wide receiver for the New York Giants, and Anthony Dixon, a running back for the San Francisco 49ers.{{Cite web |last=Reiss |first=Mike |date=September 4, 2010 |title=Gronkowski's 4 TDs tied for NFL lead |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4682661/gronkowski-preseason-file |access-date=April 27, 2020 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} In the Week 1 game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Gronkowski caught his first regular season touchdown in the fourth quarter on a one-yard pass from Tom Brady in the 38–24 victory.{{Cite web |title=Cincinnati Bengals at New England Patriots – September 12th, 2010 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201009120nwe.htm |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

In a Week 10 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, Gronkowski caught three touchdown passes from Brady, becoming the first rookie in Patriots history, and the youngest rookie in NFL history to accomplish this feat.{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots at Pittsburgh Steelers – November 14th, 2010 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201011140pit.htm |access-date=April 14, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Youngest rookies to record three touchdowns receptions in a single game, NFL history |url=http://pfref.com/tiny/RIkRB |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730171430/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/play-index/tiny.fcgi?id=RIkRB |archive-date=July 30, 2020 |access-date=April 27, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference}} In honor of the feat, Madden NFL 12 has a "Rob Gronkowski Award" for players who have a tight end catch three or more touchdowns in a single game.{{Cite web |title=Rob Gronkowski Award Achievement in Madden NFL 12 |url=https://www.trueachievements.com/a153242/rob-gronkowski-award-achievement |access-date=December 27, 2019 |website=TrueAchievements |language=en}}

Visiting his hometown of Buffalo in Week 16, Gronkowski caught two touchdowns against the Buffalo Bills.{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills – December 26th, 2010 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201012260buf.htm |access-date=April 14, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He recorded his first 100-yard receiving game with six receptions for 102 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown in the regular season finale against the Miami Dolphins to give him 10 on the season.{{Cite web |title=Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots – January 2nd, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201101020nwe.htm |access-date=April 27, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In 16 games played, Gronkowski started 11 games and caught 42 passes for 546 yards.{{Cite web |title=Rob Gronkowski 2010 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GronRo00/gamelog/2010/ |access-date=April 14, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Despite missing his entire 2009 college season following back surgery, Gronkowski did not miss a single game or practice all season;{{Cite web |last=Reiss |first=Mike |date=February 3, 2011 |title=Like Mark Bavaro, New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski fits coach Bill Belichick's mold – ESPN Boston |url=https://www.espn.com/boston/nfl/columns/story?columnist=reiss_mike&id=6085654 |access-date=January 28, 2012 |website=ESPN.com}} he was the first rookie tight end since the NFL-AFL merger to score 10 touchdowns.{{Cite web |last=Trombino |first=Justin |date=March 25, 2020 |title=New England Patriots: 7 best players Tom Brady threw TD's to over his career |url=https://chowderandchampions.com/2020/03/25/new-england-patriots-7-best-players-tom-brady-threw-tds-career/7/ |access-date=April 9, 2020 |website=Chowder and Champions |language=en-US}} The Patriots finished with 14–2 record and won the AFC East.{{Cite web |title=2010 New England Patriots Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/2010.htm |access-date=April 14, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the playoffs, Gronkowski made his postseason debut against the New York Jets in the Divisional Round. In the 28–21 upset loss, he had four receptions for 65 receiving yards.{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – New York Jets at New England Patriots – January 16th, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201101160nwe.htm |access-date=April 14, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

Gronkowski was nominated three times for Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week, in Weeks 10, 14, and 17, winning twice and losing in Week 10 to Tim Tebow. Gronkowski also finished fifth in fan balloting at tight end for the 2011 Pro Bowl, and fourth overall among rookies.{{Cite web |last=Reiss |first=Mike |date=December 22, 2010 |title=Where Pats rank in fan Pro Bowl voting |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/BostonNew-England-Patriots/post/_/id/4690273/where-pats-rank-in-fan-pro-bowl-voting |access-date=December 22, 2010 |website=ESPNBoston.com}} Gronkowski received one writer's vote for the Associated Press 2010 All-Pro Team (writers only vote for one tight end). He was named to the NFL All-Rookie Team.{{Cite web |title=2010 NFL All-Rookie Team |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/nfl-all-rookie-2010.htm |access-date=November 15, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

File:Colts vs Patriots 2011 01.jpg]]

Gronkowski caught his first touchdown of the 2011 season on a 10-yard pass from Tom Brady in the Patriots' Week 1 38–24 victory over the Miami Dolphins; Gronkowski's six catches accounted for 86 of Brady's franchise record 517 yards.{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins – September 12th, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201109120mia.htm |access-date=April 14, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 2, against the San Diego Chargers, he had four receptions for 86 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns in the 35–21 victory.{{Cite web |title=San Diego Chargers at New England Patriots – September 18th, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201109180nwe.htm |access-date=April 27, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He followed that up with seven receptions for 109 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns in the 34–31 loss to the Buffalo Bills.{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills – September 25th, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201109250buf.htm |access-date=April 27, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Over the next four games, he totaled 19 receptions for 214 receiving yards in a 3–1 stretch for the Patriots. In Week 9, against the New York Giants, he had eight receptions for 101 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown in the 24–20 loss.{{Cite web |title=New York Giants at New England Patriots – November 6th, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201111060nwe.htm |access-date=April 27, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 10, against the New York Jets, he had eight receptions for 113 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns in the 37–16 victory.{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots at New York Jets – November 13th, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201111130nyj.htm |access-date=April 27, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 11, against the Kansas City Chiefs, Gronkowski caught two touchdown passes, including a career-long 52-yard catch and run, to equal his 2010 touchdown total in just ten games.{{Cite web |title=Kansas City Chiefs at New England Patriots – November 21st, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201111210nwe.htm |access-date=April 14, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He passed his reception and yardage totals from 2010 in only eight games.

Through Week 11, Gronkowski led all tight ends with 10 touchdowns; his 20 touchdowns were the most ever for a tight end in his first two seasons. His reception and receiving yardage totals both ranked second among tight ends (after Jimmy Graham of the New Orleans Saints), and in the top ten among all receivers, though they only ranked second on the Patriots, behind wide receiver Wes Welker.{{Cite web |title=2011 New England Patriots Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/2011.htm |access-date=April 14, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

Gronkowski broke the NFL record for touchdowns scored in a single season by a tight end when he had the second three-touchdown game of his career in the Patriots' Week 13 victory against the Indianapolis Colts. After scoring two touchdowns on receptions from Tom Brady, Gronkowski scored a third touchdown from two yards out. Initially declared a forward pass, the pass was later ruled a lateral pass,{{Cite web |last=Forsberg |first=Chris |date=December 4, 2011 |title=Rob Gronkowski finds new way to reach end zone – ESPN Boston |url=https://www.espn.com/boston/nfl/story/_/id/7316751/rob-gronkowski-finds-new-way-reach-end-zone |access-date=January 28, 2012 |website=ESPN.com}} which is recorded as a rushing attempt; as of the conclusion of the 2020 season, it was the only rushing attempt of Gronkowski's career, and his only rushing touchdown.{{Cite web |title=Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots – December 4th, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201112040nwe.htm |access-date=April 14, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} It was the first rushing touchdown by a tight end since Bo Scaife did it in 2006, and the first in Patriots history.{{Cite web |last=Bedard |first=Greg A. |date=December 5, 2011 |title=Rob Gronkowski on track to be one of NFL's greatest |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2011/12/05/tight-end-rob-gronkowski-patriots-course-for-greatness/grjZASYeVzbnmJO7AGLs5O/story.html |access-date=January 28, 2012 |newspaper=The Boston Globe}} At game's end, Gronkowski had sole possession of the touchdown scoring record, with 14, and shared the record for receiving touchdowns, 13, with Antonio Gates and Vernon Davis.

Gronkowski took sole possession of the tight end receiving record a week later against the Washington Redskins, in which he caught his 14th and 15th touchdown passes of the season; in total, he had six receptions for a career-high 160 yards.{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots at Washington Redskins – December 11th, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201112110was.htm |access-date=April 14, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} His performance also earned him his first AFC Offensive Player of the Week award,{{Cite web |last=Reiss |first=Mike |date=December 14, 2011 |title=Gronk earns AFC player of week honor – New England Patriots Blog |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4712242/gronk-earns-afc-player-of-week-honor |access-date=January 28, 2012 |website=ESPN.com}} and, for the second week in a row, NFL.com's "Hardest Working Man" award.{{Cite web |date=December 16, 2011 |title=NFL Videos: Week 14: Hardest Working Man winner |url=http://www.nfl.com/videos/new-england-patriots/09000d5d8251eb9b/Week-14-Hardest-Working-Man-winner |access-date=January 28, 2012 |website=Nfl.com}} He ended the season with 1,327 receiving yards, breaking the previous NFL record for a tight end of 1,310 set by Jimmy Graham of the Saints earlier that same day.{{Cite news |last=Krasner |first=Steven |date=January 1, 2012 |title=Rob Gronkowski sets TE yardage mark |url=https://www.espn.com/boston/nfl/story/_/id/7411087/new-england-patriots-rob-gronkowski-breaks-tight-end-yardage-record |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120102055511/http://espn.go.com/boston/nfl/story/_/id/7411087/new-england-patriots-rob-gronkowski-breaks-tight-end-yardage-record |archive-date=January 2, 2012 |work=ESPNBoston.com}} He also finished with 18 total touchdowns, 17 receiving—both NFL records for tight ends. Gronkowski's 18 touchdowns were the second-highest total in the NFL (after Philadelphia's LeSean McCoy, who had 20), and equaled the output of the entire St. Louis Rams team. His 17 receiving touchdowns were the most of any NFL player in 2011, marking the first time in NFL history a tight end had sole possession of the league lead.{{Cite web |title=2011 NFL Receiving |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2011/receiving.htm |access-date=April 27, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

Gronkowski was voted the starting tight end for the AFC at the 2012 Pro Bowl.{{Cite web |title=2011 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2011/probowl.htm |access-date=November 15, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} One of eight Patriots players voted to the Pro Bowl, he finished fan voting with 936,886 votes, more than triple the number received by the number two tight end, Gronkowski's teammate Aaron Hernandez, and the third-highest total of any AFC player, behind teammates Tom Brady and Wes Welker.{{Cite web |date=December 27, 2011 |title=Plethora of Pats in line for Pro Bowl picks |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/plethora-pats-line-pro-bowl-picks |access-date=November 15, 2020 |website=RSN |language=en}} He was also voted the tight end for the AP All-Pro first team, receiving 44½ of the 50 votes (44 voters voted for Gronkowski; 5 voters voted for Jimmy Graham, and one voter split a vote between the two).{{Cite web |last=Kuharsky |first=Paul |date=January 2, 2011 |title=All-Pro voting totals – AFC South Blog |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/afcsouth/post/_/id/32971/all-pro-voting-totals |access-date=January 28, 2012 |website=ESPN.com}} He was ranked 21st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2012.{{Cite web |title=2012 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2012-nfl-top-100.htm |access-date=November 15, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

In the Patriots' first playoff game, a 45–10 rout of the Denver Broncos in the Divisional Round, Gronkowski tied an NFL post-season record, catching three touchdown passes as part of a 10-catch, 145-yard effort.{{Cite web |date=January 15, 2012 |title=Patriots rout Broncos 45–10 in AFC playoff |url=https://wjla.com/sports/content/patriots-rout-broncos-45-10-in-afc-playoff-rout-71445 |access-date=April 27, 2020 |website=WJLA |agency=Associated Press}} Gronkowski alone had more catches than the entire Broncos offense, as quarterback Tim Tebow completed just 9 of 26 passes.{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – Denver Broncos at New England Patriots – January 14th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201201140nwe.htm |access-date=April 14, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the AFC Championship, a 23–20 win over the Baltimore Ravens, Gronkowski suffered a high ankle sprain on a tackle by Ravens safety Bernard Pollard; the status of his ankle was one of the major story lines in the run-up to Super Bowl XLVI.{{Cite web |last=Vrentas |first=Jenny |date=February 6, 2012 |title=Patriots' Rob Gronkowski is limited by ankle injury in Super Bowl loss to Giants |url=http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2012/02/patriots_rob_gronkowski_is_lim.html |access-date=February 16, 2019 |website=NJ.com |language=en-US}} Gronkowski still managed to finish with five receptions for 87 yards.{{Cite web |title=AFC Championship – Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots – January 22nd, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201201220nwe.htm |access-date=April 14, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Super Bowl XLVI, the Patriots decided to start Gronkowski, but he wasn't a large factor in the game. With only a few seconds left in the Super Bowl XLVI, Gronkowski had a chance on Tom Brady's Hail Mary as time expired, but his dive for the ball came up short. Gronkowski finished the game with two receptions for 26 yards, which was his lowest output since early October. The Patriots lost the Super Bowl to the New York Giants, 21–17.{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl XLVI – New York Giants vs. New England Patriots – February 5th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201202050nwe.htm |access-date=December 6, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Gittings |first=Paul |date=February 6, 2012 |title=Super Bowl XLVI as it happened |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2012/02/05/sport/super-bowl |access-date=December 26, 2019 |work=CNN.com}} A few days after the Super Bowl, Gronkowski had an MRI of his injured ankle that revealed strained ligaments and required surgery to repair.

File:Rob Gronkowski 2013.jpg

On June 8, 2012, Gronkowski signed a six-year, $54 million contract extension, the largest ever for an NFL tight end. The contract included an $8 million signing bonus, but otherwise left the 2012 and 2013 seasons of his rookie contract intact.{{Cite web |date=June 8, 2012 |title=Patriots, Rob Gronkowski agree to six-year, $54M extension |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/patriots-rob-gronkowski-agree-to-six-year-54m-extension-09000d5d829ab3e5 |access-date=April 27, 2020 |website=NFL.com |language=en}} Gronkowski started the season with receiving touchdowns in consecutive games, a 34–13 victory over the Tennessee Titans and a 20–18 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots at Tennessee Titans – September 9th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201209090oti.htm |access-date=April 28, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Arizona Cardinals at New England Patriots – September 16th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201209160nwe.htm |access-date=April 28, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 4, he had five receptions for 104 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown in a 52–28 victory over the Buffalo Bills.{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills – September 30th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201209300buf.htm |access-date=April 28, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 7, against the New York Jets, he had six receptions for 78 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns in the 29–26 victory.{{Cite web |title=New York Jets at New England Patriots – October 21st, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201210210nwe.htm |access-date=April 28, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 8, against the St. Louis Rams, he had eight receptions for 146 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns in the 45–7 victory.{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots at St. Louis Rams – October 28th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201210280ram.htm |access-date=April 28, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

In the Patriots' 59–24 victory in Week 11 over the Indianapolis Colts, Gronkowski had seven receptions for 137 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots – November 18th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201211180nwe.htm |access-date=April 28, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Gronkowski broke his left forearm late in the fourth quarter during an extra point{{Cite web |last1=Schefter |first1=Adam |last2=Yates |first2=Field |last3=Reiss |first3=Mike |date=November 19, 2012 |title=Source: Gronkowski has surgery on arm |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/8651806/rob-gronkowski-new-england-patriots-surgery-arm-source |access-date=April 27, 2020 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |agency=Associated Press}} He became the third tight end in NFL history (after Tony Gonzalez and Antonio Gates) to achieve three seasons with at least 10 touchdown receptions, and the first ever to do it in three consecutive seasons.{{Cite web |last=Cariello |first=Dave |date=January 3, 2013 |title=2012 NFL Season in Review |url=https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/2013/1/3/3829752/2012-nfl-season-in-review |access-date=November 15, 2020 |website=Canal Street Chronicles |language=en}} Gronkowski returned to practice in Week 15, and participated in the Week 17 game against the Miami Dolphins, scoring a touchdown.{{Cite web |title=Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots – December 30th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201212300nwe.htm |access-date=April 14, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He re-injured his left arm in the first quarter of the Patriots' first playoff game, against the Houston Texans. He required another operation, and missed the remainder of the playoffs.{{Cite web |last=Rodak |first=Mike |date=January 13, 2013 |title=Sources: Gronkowski (arm) done for playoffs |url=https://www.espn.com/boston/nfl/story/_/id/8841038/2013-nfl-playoffs-rob-gronkowski-new-england-patriots-miss-rest-postseason-due-broken-arm-sources |access-date=November 2, 2016 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} In 11 games in the 2012 season, Gronkowski had 790 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Rob Gronkowski 2012 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GronRo00/gamelog/2012/ |access-date=December 7, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He earned a Pro Bowl nomination despite missing some playing time.{{Cite web |title=2012 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2012/probowl.htm |access-date=November 15, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He was ranked 25th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2013.{{Cite web |title=2013 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2013-nfl-top-100.htm |access-date=November 15, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

File:Rob Gronkowski 20131201.jpg

In February 2013, Gronkowski was diagnosed with an infection in his forearm. He underwent an open procedure—the third on his forearm—in an effort to clear the infection; he was subsequently placed on a course of antibiotics.{{Cite web |last=Siebert |first=Dave |date=April 7, 2013 |title=Rob Gronkowski's Forearm Injury, Infection Might Still Have a Long Way to Go |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1595887-rob-gronkowskis-forearm-injury-infection-might-still-have-a-long-way-to-go |access-date=November 2, 2020 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}} On May 20, 2013, Gronkowski underwent a fourth surgery on his forearm to replace the hardware implanted in the second procedure and perform tissue biopsies. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that doctors were encouraged the infection had finally resolved.{{Cite magazine |last=LoGiurato |first=Brett |date=May 20, 2013 |title=Rob Gronkowski's infection clears after fourth arm surgery |url=https://www.si.com/si-wire/2013/05/20/rob-gronkowski-arm-surgery-back-infection-patriots |access-date=November 2, 2020 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en-us}} On June 18, 2013, Gronkowski underwent back surgery.{{Cite web |date=June 18, 2013 |title=Patriots TE Gronkowski undergoes back surgery |url=https://news.yahoo.com/patriots-te-gronkowski-undergoes-back-surgery-000336414.html |access-date=July 5, 2013 |website=Yahoo! News |agency=Associated Press}} He was cleared to play for the October 20, 2013, game against the New York Jets.{{Cite web |last=Pelissero |first=Tom |date=October 18, 2013 |title=Patriots' Gronkowski cleared to play vs. Jets |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/patriots/2013/10/18/new-england-patriots-growkowski-cleared-to-play-against-new-york-jets/3007751/?dlvrit=206567 |access-date=October 18, 2013 |website=USA Today}} In his return, he recorded three 100-yard receiving games in a six-game stretch. During a game against the Cleveland Browns on December 8, 2013, Gronkowski suffered a right knee injury after a direct hit from safety T. J. Ward.{{Cite web |last1=Reiss |first1=Mike |last2=Yates |first2=Field |date=December 8, 2013 |title=Rob Gronkowski may have ACL tear |url=https://www.espn.com/boston/nfl/story/_/id/10103044/rob-gronkowski-new-england-patriots-carted-leg-injury |access-date=December 8, 2013 |website=ESPN.com}} Gronkowski tore his ACL and MCL, which prematurely ended his 2013 season.{{Cite web |last=Yates |first=Field |date=December 9, 2013 |title=Rob Gronkowski out; tears ACL, MCL |url=https://www.espn.com/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/10108168/rob-gronkowski-new-england-patriots-tears-acl-mcl-knee |access-date=December 9, 2013 |website=ESPN.com}} In seven games, Gronkowski produced 592 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns in six starts.{{Cite web |title=Rob Gronkowski 2013 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GronRo00/gamelog/2013/ |access-date=December 8, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Gronkowski was ranked 41st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2014.{{Cite web |title=2014 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2014-nfl-top-100.htm |access-date=November 15, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

In his first game back from ACL/MCL surgery, Gronkowski managed to catch four passes for 40 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown against the Miami Dolphins in a losing effort, 33–20.{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins – September 7th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201409070mia.htm |access-date=April 14, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He played on limited snaps as the Patriots worked him back to full strength slowly. Against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2, Gronkowski had four receptions for 32 receiving yards in a 30–7 win.{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots at Minnesota Vikings – September 14th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201409140min.htm |access-date=April 14, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Against the Oakland Raiders in Week 3, Gronkowski had three receptions for 44 yards and his second touchdown of the season, and the only touchdown scored in the Patriots' 16–9 victory.{{Cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at New England Patriots – September 21st, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201409210nwe.htm |access-date=April 14, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Through Week 3, Gronkowski logged one start, 11 receptions, 116 receiving yards, and two receiving touchdowns on only 109 offensive snaps (42% of the team's offensive total). Gronkowski broke out in Week 8 against the Chicago Bears, catching nine passes for 149 yards and three receiving touchdowns in the 51–23 victory.{{Cite web |title=Chicago Bears at New England Patriots – October 26th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201410260nwe.htm |access-date=April 14, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 14 against the San Diego Chargers, Gronkowski became the first tight end in NFL history to catch at least 10 touchdowns in four separate seasons.{{Cite web |date=December 8, 2014 |title=Rob Gronkowski Becomes First Tight End With 10 TDs In Four Separate Seasons |url=https://boston.cbslocal.com/2014/12/08/rob-gronkowski-becomes-first-tight-end-with-10-tds-in-four-separate-seasons/ |access-date=November 15, 2020 |website=CBS – Boston |language=en-US}} In the 23–14 victory, he had eight receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown.{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots at San Diego Chargers – December 7th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201412070sdg.htm |access-date=April 14, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He finished the season with 82 receptions for 1,124 receiving yards and 12 receiving touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Rob Gronkowski 2014 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GronRo00/gamelog/2014/ |access-date=November 15, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} The Patriots finished with a 12–4 record and won the AFC East.{{Cite web |title=2014 New England Patriots Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/2014.htm |access-date=April 14, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Gronkowski earned his third Pro Bowl nomination and his second First Team-All Pro nomination for his 2014 season.{{Cite web |title=2014 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/probowl.htm |access-date=November 15, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2014 NFL All-Pros |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/allpro.htm |access-date=November 15, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} His All-Pro nomination was unanimous, receiving all 50 votes.{{Cite web |date=January 2, 2015 |title=Watt, Gronkowski are unanimous AP All-Pros |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/12111694/jj-watt-rob-gronkowski-unanimously-voted-ap-all-pros |access-date=November 15, 2020 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |agency=Associated Press}} At the 2015 ESPY Awards, Gronkowski won the Comeback Player of the Year award for his 2014 season.{{Cite web |date=July 16, 2015 |title=Rob Gronkowski Wins Comeback Player Of The Year ESPY |url=https://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/07/16/rob-gronkowski-wins-comeback-player-of-the-year-espy/ |access-date=February 8, 2019 |website=CBS – Boston |language=en}} He was ranked 10th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2015.{{Cite web |title=2015 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2015-nfl-top-100.htm |access-date=November 15, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

In the Divisional Round against the Baltimore Ravens, he had seven receptions for 108 yards and a touchdown in the 35–31 victory.{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots – January 10th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201501100nwe.htm |access-date=April 14, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the AFC Championship against the Indianapolis Colts, he had three receptions for 28 yards and a touchdown in the 45–7 victory.{{Cite web |title=AFC Championship – Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots – January 18th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201501180nwe.htm |access-date=April 14, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Gronkowski was a major factor in the Patriots' 28–24 Super Bowl XLIX win over the Seattle Seahawks, recording 6 catches for 68 yards and a touchdown late in the second quarter.{{Cite web |last=Silva |first=Steve |date=October 26, 2014 |title=Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski Roll Into the Record Books |url=http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/extra_points/2014/10/tom_brady_and_rob_gronkowski_roll_into_the_record.html |access-date=October 27, 2014 |website=The Boston Globe}} Gronkowski was fined twice this season, once for "unnecessary roughness" against Indianapolis Colts safety Sergio Brown,{{Cite web |last=Gantt |first=Dan |date=November 21, 2014 |title=Rob Gronkowski fined $8,268 for bouncer move |url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/11/21/rob-gronkowski-fined-8268-for-bouncer-move/ |access-date=April 23, 2015 |website=ESPN}} and the other time occurring during Super Bowl XLIX. Gronkowski, among three others, was fined $8,628 for "striking an opponent".{{Cite web |last=Reiss |first=Mike |date=February 6, 2015 |title=Bruce Irvin fined $10K for scuffle |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/12289724/bruce-irvin-michael-bennett-rob-gronkowski-michael-hoomanawanui-fined-super-bowl-xlix-fight-seattle-seahawks-new-england-patriots |access-date=April 23, 2015 |website=ESPN.com}}

File:President Barack Obama jokes with Rob Gronkowski.jpg at an event to honor the team and their Super Bowl XLIX victory, at the White House on April 23, 2015.|266x266px]]

During the Patriots' home opener on Thursday Night Football against the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 10, 2015, Gronkowski caught five passes for 94 yards, scoring three of the Patriots' four touchdowns in their 28–21 victory.{{Cite web |last=Rosenthal |first=Gregg |date=September 10, 2015 |title=Gronkowski, Patriots put on familiar show in 28–21 victory over Steelers. |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/rob-gronkowski-patriots-put-on-familiar-show-0ap3000000525750 |access-date=September 10, 2015 |website=NFL.com}} The three-touchdown performance was the third in Gronkowski's career, one shy of wide receiver Randy Moss's team record of four. It also made Gronkowski the first player in NFL history with multiple three-touchdown-reception games against the Steelers.{{Cite web |last=Lefort |first=David |date=September 11, 2015 |title=Rob Gronkowski unstoppable against Steelers |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4785037/rob-gronkowski-scores-patriots-first-two-touchdowns-of-season |access-date=September 10, 2015 |website=ESPN.com}} Through the Patriots' first six games, all victories, Gronkowski recorded 34 receptions for 533 yards and six touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Rob Gronkowski – New England Patriots – National Football League – Yahoo! Sports |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/24017/ |access-date=November 2, 2016}} He added 113 yards and a touchdown on October 29 in a 36–7 win over the Miami Dolphins.{{Cite web |title=Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots – October 29th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201510290nwe.htm |access-date=November 2, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the Patriots' first loss of the season, on November 29, 2015, against the Denver Broncos, Gronkowski had to be carted off the field after a right knee injury in the fourth quarter. Initial reports said that the injury appeared to be less serious than it originally looked.{{Cite web |last=Wesseling |first=Chris |date=November 29, 2015 |title=Rob Gronkowski carted off field after injuring knee |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/rob-gronkowski-carted-off-field-after-injuring-knee-0ap3000000591229 |access-date=February 8, 2019 |website=NFL.com |language=en}}

After missing a week, Gronkowski returned for the Patriots' December 13 game against the Houston Texans. He caught four passes for 87 yards and a touchdown, for a total of 10 touchdowns and 1,018 yards on the season. The Patriots won, 27–6, to snap a two-game losing streak.{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots at Houston Texans – December 13th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201512130htx.htm |access-date=April 14, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

On December 20, Gronkowski caught five passes for 54 yards and one touchdown in a 33–16 win over the Tennessee Titans.{{Cite web |title=Tennessee Titans at New England Patriots – December 20th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201512200nwe.htm |access-date=April 14, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He dedicated the touchdown to his friend Dana Parenteau, who had died at the age of 43 two days earlier.{{Cite web |date=December 20, 2015 |title=Rob Gronkowski dedicates win over Titans to late friend |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/12/20/rob-gronkowski-dedicates-win-over-titans-late-friend/qkJDbP8ZPdYMMsfxBYsTdO/story.html |access-date=November 2, 2016 |website=Boston Globe}}

In the Patriots' 27–20 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round, Gronkowski caught seven passes for 83 yards and two touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – Kansas City Chiefs at New England Patriots – January 16th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201601160nwe.htm |access-date=April 14, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the AFC Championship, a 20–18 loss to the Denver Broncos, Gronkowski led all receivers with eight catches for 144 yards and a receiving touchdown. Gronkowski had the Patriots' final touchdown to put the Patriots within two points, but the resulting two-point conversion was unsuccessful.{{Cite web |title=AFC Championship – New England Patriots at Denver Broncos – January 24th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201601240den.htm |access-date=April 14, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Dillon |first=Kevin |date=January 25, 2016 |title=WATCH: Gronk catches keep Patriots season alive briefly |url=https://www.masslive.com/patriots/2016/01/watch_rob_gronkowskis_monster.html |access-date=June 18, 2022 |website=masslive |language=en}}

Gronkowski was selected to the Pro Bowl and to the AP All-Pro first team for the fourth time in his career; he led all non-quarterbacks in fan voting for the Pro Bowl, and received 48 of 50 All-Pro votes at tight end.{{Cite web |title=2015 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2015/probowl.htm |access-date=June 18, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2015 NFL All-Pros |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2015/allpro.htm |access-date=June 18, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=January 8, 2016 |title=2015 All-Pro Team Voting |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-2015-all-pro-team-voting-2016jan08-story.html |access-date=June 18, 2022 |website=San Diego Union-Tribune |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}} He was ranked as the ninth best player on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016.{{Cite web |title=NFL Top 100 Players of 2016 – No. 9 Rob Gronkowski |url=http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-top100-2016/0ap3000000673250/Top-100-Players-of-2016-No-9-Rob-Gronkowski |access-date=April 24, 2017 |website=NFL.com}}

Gronkowski missed the first two games of the 2016 season due to a hamstring injury and was limited in his next two games.{{Cite web |last=Wesseling |first=Chris |date=July 29, 2013 |title=Rob Gronkowski: Hamstring has 'obviously' limited me |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/rob-gronkowski-hamstring-has-obviously-limited-me-0ap3000000715888 |access-date=April 24, 2017 |website=NFL.com}} Against the Buffalo Bills in Week 8, Gronkowski scored the 69th regular-season touchdown of his career, which was also his 68th receiving touchdown. The touchdown broke both Patriots franchise records set by Stanley Morgan.{{Cite web |date=October 30, 2016 |title=Rob Gronkowski Sets Patriots Franchise Record With 69th Touchdown |url=http://boston.cbslocal.com/2016/10/30/rob-gronkowski-sets-patriots-franchise-record-with-69th-touchdown/ |access-date=October 30, 2016 |website=CBS – Boston}} In Week 10 against the Seattle Seahawks, he took a big hit to the chest by Earl Thomas which was initially thought to be a punctured lung but turned out to be a pulmonary contusion, keeping him out in Week 11.{{Cite web |last=Rosenthal, Gregg |date=November 14, 2016 |title=Rob Gronkowski suffered possible punctured lung |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/rob-gronkowski-suffered-possible-punctured-lung-0ap3000000739824 |access-date=December 1, 2016 |website=NFL.com}} In Week 12 against the New York Jets, he suffered a back injury at the beginning of the second half, which needed surgery to repair a herniated disk, and was out for the season.{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=December 1, 2016 |title=Rob Gronkowski to undergo back surgery Friday |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000749361/article/patriots-gronkowski-to-undergo-back-surgery-friday?campaign=Twitter_atn |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202101607/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000749361/article/patriots-gronkowski-to-undergo-back-surgery-friday?campaign=Twitter_atn |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 2, 2016 |access-date=June 30, 2022 |website=NFL.com}}{{Cite web |date=December 1, 2016 |title=Update on Rob Gronkowski |url=http://www.patriots.com/news/2016/12/01/update-rob-gronkowski |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161203061207/http://www.patriots.com/news/2016/12/01/update-rob-gronkowski |archive-date=December 3, 2016 |access-date=December 2, 2016 |website=Patriots.com}} He was officially placed on injured reserve on December 3, 2016, after having surgery the previous day.{{Cite web |date=December 3, 2016 |title=Patriots place TE Rob Gronkowski on Injured Reserve; Sign RB DJ Foster to the 53-man roster |url=http://www.patriots.com/news/2016/12/03/patriots-place-te-rob-gronkowski-injured-reserve-sign-rb-dj-foster-53-man-roster |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012035209/http://www.patriots.com/news/2016/12/03/patriots-place-te-rob-gronkowski-injured-reserve-sign-rb-dj-foster-53-man-roster |archive-date=October 12, 2017 |website=Patriots.com}}{{Cite web |last=Shook |first=Nick |date=December 3, 2016 |title=Patriots officially place Rob Gronkowski on IR |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000750132/article/patriots-officially-place-rob-gronkowski-on-ir?campaign=tw-nf-sf44743935-sf44743935 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141929/https://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000750132/article/patriots-officially-place-rob-gronkowski-on-ir?campaign=tw-nf-sf44743935-sf44743935 |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |access-date=June 18, 2022 |website=NFL.com}} He finished the season with 25 receptions on 38 targets for 540 yards and three touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Rob Gronkowski 2016 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GronRo00/gamelog/2016/ |access-date=April 14, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} His 21.6 yards per reception ranked first among NFL tight ends in 2016.{{Cite web |title=Rob Gronkowski Advanced Stats and Metrics Profile: Efficiency |url=http://www.playerprofiler.com/nfl/rob-gronkowski |access-date=June 18, 2022 |website=PlayerProfiler.com}} Gronkowski was on injured reserve when the Patriots won Super Bowl LI on February 5, 2017. In the game, the Patriots defeated the Atlanta Falcons by a score of 34–28, earning Gronkowski his second Super Bowl championship.{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl LI – New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons – February 5th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201702050atl.htm |access-date=August 6, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference}}{{Cite web |title=2016 New England Patriots Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/2016.htm |access-date=August 6, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference}} Despite missing eight games, Gronkowski was still ranked 23rd by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017.{{Cite web |title='Top 100 Players of 2017': No. 23 Rob Gronkowski |url=http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-top100-2017/0ap3000000814687/Top-100-Players-of-2017-No-23-Rob-Gronkowski |access-date=June 10, 2018 |website=NFL.com}}

Gronkowski began the 2017 season healthy after missing much of the previous season on the injured reserve list. Gronkowski injured his groin during a Week 2 victory over the New Orleans Saints, leaving the game early, but the injury did not result in missing any further games. Before the injury, he had recorded six receptions for 116 yards and a 53-yard touchdown.{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots at New Orleans Saints – September 17th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201709170nor.htm |access-date=October 28, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference}}{{Cite web |last=D'Andrea |first=Christian |date=September 17, 2017 |title=Rob Gronkowski's groin injury is probably not serious, but the Patriots will test it anyway |url=https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2017/9/17/16322958/rob-gronkowski-patriots-saints-possible-back-injury |access-date=June 18, 2022 |website=SBNation.com |language=en}} By the end of Week 4, he was occupying his familiar role as the team leader in receptions and receiving yardage, but a thigh contusion suffered in practice prior to the Thursday Night Football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5 caused him to miss that game entirely.{{Cite web |date=October 5, 2017 |title=Patriots' Rob Gronkowski Misses Thursday Night Football, Expected To Play In Week 7 |url=http://boston.cbslocal.com/2017/10/05/patriots-rob-gronkowski-reportedly-out-vs-buccaneers/ |access-date=October 11, 2017 |website=CBS – Boston}} In Week 6, Gronkowski caught six passes for 83 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns as the Patriots defeated the New York Jets by a score of 24–17. His 33-yard catch put the Patriots in the lead as well as overcoming a 14-point deficit.{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots at New York Jets – October 15th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201710150nyj.htm |access-date=April 14, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 12, against the Miami Dolphins, Gronkowski caught five passes for 82 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots – November 26th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201711260nwe.htm |access-date=April 14, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} This was his 16th multiple touchdown game, which broke the franchise record previously held by Randy Moss.{{Cite web |last=Ventura |first=Danny |date=November 27, 2017 |title=Rob Gronkowski sets Patriots record for multiple-TD games |url=https://www.bostonherald.com/2017/11/27/rob-gronkowski-sets-patriots-record-for-multiple-td-games/ |access-date=December 6, 2018 |website=Boston Herald |language=en-US}}

During Week 13 against the Buffalo Bills, Gronkowski had nine receptions for 147 receiving yards as the Patriots won 23–3.{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills – December 3rd, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201712030buf.htm |access-date=April 14, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} However, after Bills rookie cornerback Tre'Davious White intercepted a pass intended for Gronkowski during the fourth quarter, Gronkowski responded by jumping elbow-first onto White, drawing a personal foul penalty and giving White a concussion. Gronkowski was upset, claiming that White should have been flagged for a pass interference penalty.{{Cite web |last=Bergman |first=Jeremy |date=December 3, 2017 |title=Rob Gronkowski: Refs are calling 'craziest stuff' on me |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/rob-gronkowski-refs-are-calling-craziest-stuff-on-me-0ap3000000887147 |access-date=December 3, 2017 |website=NFL.com}} On December 4, the day after the game, Gronkowski was suspended for one game for his hit on White.{{Cite web |last=Sessler |first=Marc |date=December 5, 2017 |title=Rob Gronkowski suspended one game for hit on Tre'Davious White |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/rob-gronkowski-suspended-one-game-for-late-hit-0ap3000000887903 |access-date=July 18, 2024 |website=NFL.com}} The next day, December 5, the NFL denied Gronkowski's appeal of the one-game suspension.{{Cite web |date=December 5, 2017 |title=Rob Gronkowski's 1 Game Suspension Upheld By NFL |url=http://boston.cbslocal.com/2017/12/05/rob-gronkowski-suspension-appeal-patriots-nfl/ |access-date=December 5, 2017 |website=CBS - Boston}} With Gronkowski suspended for the Patriots' Week 14 game against the Miami Dolphins, the Patriots lost 20–27.{{Cite web |last=Stites |first=Adam |date=December 11, 2017 |title=5 reasons the Dolphins were able to upset the Patriots on 'Monday Night Football' |url=https://www.sbnation.com/2017/12/11/16765254/new-england-patriots-miami-dolphins-recap-monday-night-football-upset |access-date=December 12, 2017 |website=SBNation.com}}

The following week, in a 27–24 win on the road against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Gronkowski caught nine passes for a career-high 168 yards. Gronkowski caught three consecutive passes for 69 yards on the Patriots' game-winning drive, and then caught the ensuing two-point conversion to put the Patriots up by 3.{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots at Pittsburgh Steelers – December 17th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201712170pit.htm |access-date=April 14, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark on the season for the fourth time in his career, joining Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten as the only NFL tight ends with four 1,000-yard seasons.{{Cite web |last=Reiss, Mike |date=December 18, 2017 |title=Tom Brady produces 53rd comeback win from fourth-quarter deficit |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4809382/tom-brady-produces-53rd-comeback-win-from-fourth-quarter-deficit |website=ESPN.com}} His performance in Week 15 earned him AFC Offensive Player of the Week.{{Cite web |last=Lam, Quang M. |date=December 20, 2017 |title=Rob Gronkowski, Gurley among Players of the Week |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/rob-gronkowski-gurley-among-players-of-the-week-0ap3000000895841 |website=NFL.com}} On December 19, 2017, Gronkowski was named to his fifth Pro Bowl.{{Cite web |date=December 19, 2017 |title=NFL announces 2018 Pro Bowl rosters |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/updated-player-rosters-for-2018-pro-bowl-in-orlando-0ap3000000895772 |access-date=December 23, 2017 |website=NFL.com}} He finished the 2017 season with 69 receptions for 1,084 yards, most among tight ends, and eight touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Rob Gronkowski 2017 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GronRo00/gamelog/2017/ |access-date=February 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2017 NFL Receiving |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2017/receiving.htm |access-date=February 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In January 2018, he was named to the Associated Press' All-Pro First Team,{{Cite web |last=Buttar |first=Simmi |date=October 19, 2018 |title=Pats' Gronkowski tops AP's list of top NFL tight ends |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/pats-gronkowski-tops-aps-list-top-nfl-tight-162404429--nfl.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224231441/https://sports.yahoo.com/pats-gronkowski-tops-aps-list-top-nfl-tight-162404429--nfl.html |archive-date=February 24, 2019 |access-date=February 24, 2019 |website=Yahoo! Sports |language=en-US}} earning him a $2.5 million incentive that was added to his contract during the 2017 offseason.{{Cite web |date=January 5, 2018 |title=Rob Gronkowski Earns Nice Bonus For Making 2017 All-Pro Team |url=http://boston.cbslocal.com/2018/01/05/rob-gronkowski-nfl-all-pro-bonus-patriots-tom-brady/ |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=CBS - Boston |language=en}}{{Cite news |last1=Volin |first1=Ben |last2=McBride |first2=Jim |date=May 23, 2017 |title=Rob Gronkowski agrees to restructured deal with Patriots |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/patriots/2017/05/23/rob-gronkowski-agrees-new-deal-with-patriots/jGkWxHUC9omX3hmlK0aRAL/story.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113035524/https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/patriots/2017/05/23/rob-gronkowski-agrees-new-deal-with-patriots/jGkWxHUC9omX3hmlK0aRAL/story.html |archive-date=January 13, 2018 |access-date=January 12, 2018 |work=BostonGlobe.com}} The Patriots finished with a 13–3 record and earned a first round bye.{{Cite web |title=2017 New England Patriots Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/2017.htm |access-date=February 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2017 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2017.htm |access-date=February 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the Divisional Round against the Tennessee Titans, he finished with six receptions for receiving 81 yards and a receiving touchdown in the 35–14 victory.{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – Tennessee Titans at New England Patriots – January 13th, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201801130nwe.htm |access-date=February 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} On January 21, 2018, Gronkowski suffered a concussion on a 21-yard reception during the AFC Championship Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, being placed on concussion protocol, and did not return to the game.{{Cite web |title=AFC Championship – Jacksonville Jaguars at New England Patriots – January 21st, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201801210nwe.htm |access-date=February 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=January 21, 2018 |title=Gronkowski suffers head injury in Pats' AFC title win |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/gronkowski-suffers-head-injury-in-pats-afc-title-win-0ap3000000908639 |access-date=January 22, 2018 |website=NFL.com}} He would be cleared from the protocol just in time for Super Bowl LII against the Philadelphia Eagles. During the Super Bowl, he finished with 116 receiving yards and two touchdowns. In the closing seconds, he attempted to catch a Hail Mary pass, but failed, and the Patriots lost 41–33.{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl LII – Philadelphia Eagles vs. New England Patriots – February 4th, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201802040nwe.htm |access-date=February 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Bergman |first=Jeremy |date=February 4, 2018 |title=Rob Gronkowski mulling football future after loss |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/rob-gronkowski-mulling-football-future-after-loss-0ap3000000914570 |access-date=February 4, 2018 |website=NFL.com}} He was ranked 15th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2018.{{Cite web |title='Top 100 Players of 2018': New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski |url=http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-top100-2018/0ap3000000937715/Top-100-Players-of-2018-Rob-Gronkowski-No-15 |access-date=February 16, 2019 |website=NFL.com |language=en}}

The Patriots agreed to trade Gronkowski to the Detroit Lions in the offseason but the deal fell through after the tight end threatened to retire.{{Cite web |last=Chirco |first=Vito |date=April 21, 2020 |title=Details of Lions Rob Gronkowski 2018 Trade Offer Revealed |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/detroit-lions-trade-offer-rob-gronkowski-revealed |access-date=April 29, 2020 |website=SI.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=April 21, 2020 |title=Rob Gronkowski explains how he avoided a trade to the Lions by saying he was retired {{!}} FOX NFL |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfMMwrLtSJo |access-date=April 29, 2020 |website=YouTube |publisher=FOX Sports |language=en}}File:Rob Gronkowski after winning Super Bowl LIII, February 2019.png, 2019]]

On April 24, Gronkowski announced that he had met with head coach Bill Belichick and that he would return for the 2018 season.{{Cite web |last=Perry |first=Phil |date=April 24, 2018 |title=Rob Gronkowski: I met with Bill Belichick to tell him I'm in for 2018 |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/patriots/rob-gronkowski-i-met-bill-belichick-tell-him-im-2018 |access-date=March 27, 2019 |website=NBC Sports Boston}} He returned to practice on June 5 after skipping minicamp, confirming his return.{{Cite web |last=Hewitt |first=Stephen |date=June 5, 2018 |title=Rob Gronkowski returns to Patriots practice, says it was 'good decision' to skip offseason program |url=http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/patriots/the_blitz/2018/06/rob_gronkowski_returns_to_patriots_practice_says_it_was_good |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702035531/http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/patriots/the_blitz/2018/06/rob_gronkowski_returns_to_patriots_practice_says_it_was_good |archive-date=July 2, 2018 |access-date=July 1, 2018 |website=BostonHerald.com}} In the opening game against the Houston Texans, Gronkowski had seven receptions for 123 yards and one touchdown in a 27–20 victory. He also fumbled for the first time since 2012.{{Cite web |date=September 9, 2018 |title=Brady, Gronk open season with 27–20 win over Texans |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2018/09/09/brady-gronk-open-season-with-27-20-win-over-texans/37766355/ |access-date=March 27, 2019 |website=USA Today |language=en |agency=Associated Press}} However, in his next six games, Gronkowski had some limited production, totaling 22 receptions for 325 yards with no touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Rob Gronkowski 2018 Game Log (Games 2–7) |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GronRo00/gamelog/2018/#104-109-sum:stats |access-date=December 6, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He scored his second touchdown of the season in the Week 12 victory over the New York Jets.{{Cite web |last=McKenna |first=Henry |date=November 25, 2018 |title=Watch Rob Gronkowski end TD drought with monstrous catch |url=https://patriotswire.usatoday.com/2018/11/25/watch-rob-gronkowski-end-td-drought-with-monstrous-catch/ |access-date=December 6, 2018 |website=Patriots Wire |language=en}} In Week 14, against the Miami Dolphins, he had eight receptions for 107 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown in the 34–33 loss. In the loss, a last-second victory by the Dolphins, Gronkowski unsuccessfully was the last line of defense on the game-winning play.{{Cite web |last=Wolfe |first=Cameron |date=December 10, 2018 |title=Dolphins shock Patriots thanks to miracle last-second lateral play |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25493377 |access-date=March 27, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} This stemmed from Gronkowski often taking the field as a hybrid safety to defend against Hail Mary passes.{{cite web | last=Reiss | first=Mike | title=Rob Gronkowski a two-way threat as tight end ... and hybrid safety? | website=ESPN.com | date=2017-09-29 | url=https://www.espn.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4806295/rob-gronkowski-a-two-way-threat-as-tight-end-and-hybrid-safety | access-date=2025-01-21}}{{Cite web |last=Stites |first=Adam |date=December 9, 2018 |title=Why the hell was Gronk on the field for the Miracle in Miami? |url=https://www.sbnation.com/2018/12/9/18133424/rob-gronkowski-new-england-patriots-miami-dolphins-miracle-touchdown |access-date=May 1, 2019 |website=SBNation.com}} In the 2018 season, he finished with 47 receptions for 682 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Rob Gronkowski 2018 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GronRo00/gamelog/2018/ |access-date=February 8, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

The Patriots made the playoffs as the #2-seed in the AFC.{{Cite web |title=2018 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2018/index.htm |access-date=May 31, 2024 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the Divisional Round against the Los Angeles Chargers, he had a 25-yard reception in the 41–28 victory.{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots – January 13th, 2019 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201901130nwe.htm |access-date=February 8, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the AFC Championship against the Kansas City Chiefs, he had six receptions for 79 receiving yards in the 37–31 overtime victory. During Super Bowl LIII against the Los Angeles Rams, Gronkowski finished with 87 receiving yards as the Patriots won 13–3.{{Cite web |last=Wesseling |first=Chris |date=February 3, 2019 |title=Patriots defeat Rams 13–3 in Super Bowl LIII |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/patriots-defeat-rams-13-3-in-super-bowl-liii-0ap3000001016157 |access-date=March 27, 2019 |website=NFL.com}} In the process, he set the record for catches and yards for tight ends in the Super Bowl with 23 catches and 297 yards.{{Cite web |title=Most Career Receiving Yards in the Super Bowl, AFC Tight Ends |url=https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/most-career-receiving-yards-in-the-super-bowl-by-an-afc-tight-end |access-date=June 26, 2022 |website=StatMuse |language=en}} Gronkowski's biggest moment came when, with the score tied at 3 in the fourth quarter, he had a 29-yard catch from Tom Brady which took the Patriots to the two-yard line and set up the game's only touchdown, with Sony Michel scoring on a two-yard rush to put the Patriots ahead.{{Cite web |date=March 1, 2024 |title=Most career receiving yards by a tight end in the Super Bowl |url=https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/most-receiving-yards-by-a-tight-end-in-the-super-bowl-career |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=StatMuse |language=en}}

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| quote = "I said it from the beginning that I wouldn't come back to the game unless I'm feeling it, feeling healthy, and feeling ready to play. Taking a year off was hands down the best decision I made, not just in my career, but also for my health and well-being, and I would do that all over again."

–Gronkowski on coming out of retirement, April 2020{{Cite web |last=Gronkowski |first=Rob |date=April 23, 2020 |title=First and foremost, I want to thank the Patriots Organization for everything over the last 10 years… |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/B_VbOXvBTBk/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/instagram/gronk/2293859320028541028 |archive-date=2021-12-23 |access-date=2020-04-29 |website=Instagram |language=en}}{{cbignore}}

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On March 24, 2019, after nine seasons, Gronkowski announced his retirement from the NFL, at 29 years old, via Instagram.{{Cite news |last=Bergman |first=Jeremy |date=March 24, 2019 |title=Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski announces retirement |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/patriots-te-rob-gronkowski-announces-retirement-0ap3000001024012 |access-date=March 24, 2019 |work=NFL.com}}{{Cite web |last=Gronkowski |first=Rob |date=March 24, 2019 |title=It all started at 20 years old on stage at the NFL draft when my dream came true, and now here I am about to turn 30 in a few months… |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BvaCbK6BCvd/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/BvaCbK6BCvd |archive-date=December 23, 2021 |access-date=March 29, 2019 |website=Instagram |language=en}}{{cbignore}} He further elaborated on his decision five months later, saying that the pain and injuries he had suffered throughout his career had taken a toll on his mental health:

"I was not in a good place. Football was bringing me down, and I didn't like it. I was losing that joy in life... I could play right now if I wanted to play. I'm feeling good. Physically, I could do it. Mentally-wise, desire-wise, it's not there... I am very satisfied with where I am in life right now. I truly believe going through those tough times, nine years, off the field, on the field, has brought me to this point. I believe I'm on the right path in my life."{{Cite web |last=Reiss |first=Mike |date=2019-08-27 |title=Gronkowski: Football was bringing me down |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27475715 |access-date=2019-08-27 |website=ESPN.com}}

File:Second Photos 86 (50833148736).jpg

On April 21, 2020, Gronkowski agreed to come out of retirement. The Patriots, which still held Gronkowski's rights, traded him to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers along with a seventh-round pick in exchange for a compensatory fourth round pick in the 2020 NFL draft.{{Cite web |last=Shook |first=Nick |date=April 21, 2020 |title=Patriots to trade Rob Gronkowski to Buccaneers |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/patriots-trade-te-rob-gronkowski-to-buccaneers-0ap3000001110390 |access-date=April 21, 2020 |website=NFL.com}} The trade reunited him with his former Patriots teammate Tom Brady, who had signed with the Buccaneers a month prior.{{Cite web |last1=Belson |first1=Ken |last2=Pennington |first2=Bill |date=April 21, 2020 |title=Rob Gronkowski to Reunite With Tom Brady in Tampa Bay |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/21/sports/football/rob-gronkowski-tom-brady-buccaneers-patriots.html |access-date=April 22, 2020 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} Head coach Bruce Arians stated that it was Brady himself who was adamant for the team to trade for Gronkowski.{{Cite web |last=Laine |first=Jenna |date=May 7, 2020 |title=Arians: Brady was matchmaker for Gronk, Bucs |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29147134/bruce-arians-says-tom-brady-brought-buccaneers-rob-gronkowski-together |access-date=May 9, 2020 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}

On October 18, 2020, Gronkowski caught five passes for 78 yards and his first touchdown with the Buccaneers in a 38–10 victory over the Green Bay Packers. It was Gronkowski's first touchdown catch since December 9, 2018, against the Miami Dolphins.{{Cite web |last=Gordon |first=Grant |date=October 18, 2020 |title=Rob Gronkowski scores first TD as Buccaneer – and since 2018 |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/rob-gronkowski-scores-first-td-as-buccaneer-and-since-2018 |access-date=October 21, 2020 |website=NFL.com}}

In Week 12 against the Kansas City Chiefs, Gronkowski recorded six catches for 106 yards during the 27–24 loss.{{Cite web |title=Kansas City Chiefs at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – November 29th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202011290tam.htm |access-date=December 2, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

In Week 16 against the Detroit Lions, Gronkowski recorded two catches for 58 yards that both resulted in touchdowns during the 47–7 win.{{Cite web |title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions – December 26th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202012260det.htm |access-date=December 30, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Overall, he finished with 45 receptions for 623 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Rob Gronkowski 2020 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GronRo00/gamelog/2020/ |access-date=January 8, 2021 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

Gronkowski's 29-yard catch towards the end of the fourth quarter of the NFC Championship Game set up the critical lead-extending field goal for Ryan Succop, with the Buccaneers winning 31–26 over the Packers.{{Cite web |date=January 24, 2021 |title=Buccaneers' Rob Gronkowski: Clutch catch on only grab |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/buccaneers-rob-gronkowski-clutch-catch-on-only-grab/ |access-date=January 25, 2021 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}

Gronkowski caught two of the three touchdown passes thrown by Tom Brady in the Buccaneers' 31–9 victory over the Chiefs in Super Bowl LV.{{Cite web |date=February 7, 2021 |title=Buccaneers trounce Chiefs as Tom Brady wins 7th title: Highlights from Super Bowl LV |url=https://journalstar.com/sports/football/buccaneers-trounce-chiefs-as-tom-brady-wins-7th-title-highlights-from-super-bowl-lv/article_70e86679-0e47-59ef-bc76-58a079894d06.html |access-date=March 4, 2021 |website=JournalStar.com |language=en |agency=Associated Press}} This gave him and Brady sole possession of the record for most postseason touchdowns between a quarterback and receiver, with 14. The duo was previously tied with Joe Montana and Jerry Rice for 12 postseason touchdowns.{{Cite web |last=Gordon |first=Grant |date=February 7, 2021 |title=Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski set record for most playoff TDs by QB-receiver combo |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/tom-brady-rob-gronkowski-hook-up-for-record-setting-13th-playoff-score |access-date=March 4, 2021 |website=NFL.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=February 7, 2021 |title=What we learned from Buccaneers win over Chiefs in Super Bowl LV |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/what-we-learned-from-buccaneers-win-over-chiefs-in-super-bowl-lv |access-date=February 7, 2021 |website=NFL.com}} Gronkowski became the first player in NFL history to catch a pass in five different Super Bowls.{{Cite web |last=Knight |first=Joey |date=February 7, 2021 |title=Bucs' Rob Gronkowski makes Super Bowl history with first reception |url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/bucs/2021/02/08/bucs-rob-gronkowski-makes-super-bowl-history-in-one-fell-snag/ |access-date=June 18, 2022 |website=Tampa Bay Times |language=en}}

On March 22, 2021, Gronkowski re-signed with the Buccaneers on a one-year deal worth $10 million.{{Cite web |last=Gordon |first=Grant |date=March 15, 2021 |title=Buccaneers bringing back TE Rob Gronkowski for one year, $10 million |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/buccaneers-bringing-back-te-rob-gronkowski-for-one-year-10-million |access-date=March 16, 2021 |website=NFL.com}}{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Scott |date=March 22, 2021 |title=Gronk It Back! Rob Gronkowski Re-Signs with Bucs |url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/rob-gronkowski-re-signs-tampa-bay-2021-free-agency |access-date=March 22, 2021 |website=Buccaneers.com}}

Though the 2020 season had been a rare season in which Gronkowski played all sixteen games, 2021 proved much more problematic for Gronkowski in terms of his health. The first two games were injury free. During the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys, Gronkowski had eight receptions for 90 yards and two touchdowns in a 31–29 victory.{{Cite web |title=Dallas Cowboys at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – September 9th, 2021 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202109090tam.htm |access-date=June 26, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 2, during a 48–25 win against the Atlanta Falcons, Gronkowski had four catches for 39 yards and two touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – September 19th, 2021 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202109190tam.htm |access-date=June 26, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} However, in a Week 3 game versus the Los Angeles Rams, he took a hit that resulted in multiple rib fractures and a punctured lung, which kept him essentially out of action for the next seven weeks, including a game against his former team in Foxborough, with the notable exception of an abortive attempt to return in Week 8, in which he played only a handful of snaps.{{Cite web |last=Easterling |first=Luke |date=November 11, 2021 |title=Bruce Arians updates Rob Gronkowski's timetable for return from back injury |url=https://bucswire.usatoday.com/2021/11/11/nfl-news-injuries-tampa-bay-buccaneers-rob-gronkowski-bruce-arians-fantasy-football/ |access-date=December 9, 2021 |website=Bucs Wire |publisher=USA Today}} When he returned in earnest in Week 11, he made six receptions on eight targets for 71 yards in a win over the New York Giants.{{Cite web |last=Shook |first=Nick |date=November 22, 2021 |title=2021 NFL season, Week 11: What we learned from Buccaneers' win over Giants on Monday night |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/2021-nfl-season-week-11-what-we-learned-from-buccaneers-win-over-giants-on-monda |access-date=June 26, 2022 |website=NFL.com}} He had his first 100+ yard receiving game in Week 12 against the Indianapolis Colts, leading all receivers with 123 yards on seven receptions,{{Cite web |date=November 28, 2011 |title=Fournette scores 4 TDs, Brady rallies Bucs past Indy 38–31 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401326499 |access-date=December 9, 2021 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} and followed that with his third multiple-touchdown game of the season, netting two end zone visits among his four catches for 58 yards in Week 13 against the Atlanta Falcons.{{Cite web |title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons – December 5th, 2021 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202112050atl.htm |access-date=June 26, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} This brought the Brady-Gronkowski connection to a total of 90 regular-season touchdowns, moving them on to second place on the all-time quarterback-receiver list, behind only Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison.{{Cite web |date=December 5, 2021 |title=Dynamic duo: Brady, Gronk lead Bucs past Falcons 30–17 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401326510 |access-date=December 9, 2021 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} He finished the 2021 season with 55 receptions for 802 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Rob Gronkowski 2021 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GronRo00/gamelog/2021/ |access-date=January 21, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the Wild Card Round against the Philadelphia Eagles, he had a receiving touchdown in the 31–15 victory.{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – Philadelphia Eagles at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – January 16th, 2022 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202201160tam.htm |access-date=January 21, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the Divisional Round against the Los Angeles Rams, he had four receptions for 85 yards in the 30–27 loss to the eventual Super Bowl champions.{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – Los Angeles Rams at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – January 23rd, 2022 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202201230tam.htm |access-date=January 21, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

Gronkowski announced his retirement for a second time on June 21, 2022.{{Cite web |date=June 21, 2022 |title=Four-time Super Bowl champion Gronkowski retires |url=https://www.tsn.ca/rob-gronkowski-retires-1.1815816 |access-date=June 21, 2022 |website=tsn.ca |agency=Associated Press}}

• First tight end to lead the league in receiving touchdowns (2011){{Cite web |last=Brooks |first=Bucky |date=June 19, 2012 |title=NFL's best tight end: Rob Gronkowski or Jimmy Graham? |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-s-best-tight-end-rob-gronkowski-or-jimmy-graham-09000d5d829f40ca |access-date=December 6, 2018 |website=NFL.com |language=en}}
• Most touchdown receptions by a tight end in season: 17 (2011){{Cite web |last=Leger |first=Justin |date=June 21, 2022 |title=Every record Rob Gronkowski set during legendary NFL career |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/patriots/all-rob-gronkowskis-nfl-regular-season-and-playoff-records |access-date=January 21, 2023 |website=RSN |language=en}}

• First tight end with 1,000+ career postseason receiving yards{{Cite web |date=January 20, 2019 |title=Patriots' Rob Gronkowski Becomes First Tight End To Hit 1,000 Postseason Receiving Yards |url=https://boston.cbslocal.com/2019/01/20/rob-gronkowski-patriots-nfl-postseason-history-1000-receiving-yards/ |access-date=January 27, 2019 |website=CBS – Boston |language=en}}

• Most career touchdown receptions: 79{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots Career Receiving Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/career-receiving.htm |access-date=January 21, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
• Most games with multiple touchdowns: 16
• Most games with 100+ receiving yards by a tight end: 26
• Highest receiving yards per game average for a tight end (season): 82.9 (2011)

NFL

• 4× Super Bowl champion (XLIX, LI, LIII, LV)
• 4× First-team All-Pro (2011, 2014, 2015, 2017)
• 5× Pro Bowl selection (2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017)
• NFL Comeback Player of the Year (2014)
• NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
• NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team{{Cite web |title=NFL 100 All Time Team |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/nfl-100-all-time-team.htm |access-date=June 26, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
• New England Patriots All-2010s Team
• New England Patriots All-Dynasty Team{{Cite web |date=October 22, 2020 |title=The Patriots Hall of Fame Presented by Raytheon Technologies Announces its Patriots All-Dynasty Team Exhibit |url=https://www.patriots.com/news/the-patriots-hall-of-fame-presented-by-raytheon-technologies-announces-its-patri |access-date=September 17, 2022 |website=www.patriots.com |language=en-US}}

NCAA

• First-team All-Pac-10 (2008){{Cite web |date=December 10, 2008 |title=2008 All-Pac-10 team |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/pac12/post/_/id/922/2008-all-pac-10-team |access-date=June 26, 2022 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}

Media

• 2021 ESPY Award – Outstanding Team (with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers){{Cite web |last1=Mizoguchi |first1=Karen |last2=VanHoose |first2=Benjamin |date=January 10, 2021 |title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers Win Best Team at 2021 ESPY Awards: 'We're the Champs!' Rob Gronkowski Says |url=https://people.com/sports/espy-awards-2021-tampa-bay-buccaneers-win-best-team/ |access-date=September 16, 2022 |website=Peoplemag |language=en}}

Organizational

• 2019 USO-Metro Merit Award{{Cite web |date=March 27, 2019 |title=USO-Metro Recognizes Medal of Honor Recipients at 37th Annual Awards Dinner |url=https://metro.uso.org/stories/166 |access-date=June 26, 2022 |website=USO of Metropolitan Washington – Baltimore |language=en}}

Described as an "NFL supernova,"{{Cite web |last=Gasper |first=Christopher L. |date=March 24, 2019 |title=Gronkowski retires nothing less than football folk hero |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/patriots/2019/03/24/gronkowski-retires-nothing-less-than-football-folk-hero/llRb5DoBUFAyX4VXqv8vBM/story.html |access-date=March 25, 2019 |website=The Boston Globe}} a "sui generis," a "gold standard,"{{Cite web |last=Stapleton |first=Arnie |date=February 2, 2018 |title=Eagles' Ertz so good, but Pats' Gronk is gold standard among tight ends |url=https://apnews.com/8eee806354004e648a70f43c4c3f42ee |access-date=February 19, 2019 |website=AP News |language=en |quote="Gronk is the gold standard."}} a "generational marvel,"{{Cite web |last=O'Connell |first=Robert |date=January 31, 2019 |title=Rob Gronkowski and the Cost of Greatness |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2019/01/super-bowl-patriots-rob-gronkowski-cost-of-greatness/581650/ |access-date=February 19, 2019 |website=The Atlantic |language=en-US}} and an "on-field force of nature,"{{Cite web |date=July 19, 2015 |title=Best of the Belichick Era: Number 9 – Rob Gronkowski |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/new-england-patriots/best-belichick-era-number-9-rob-gronkowski |access-date=February 19, 2019 |website=NBC Sports Boston}} Gronkowski revolutionized the tight end position and became the envisioned archetype for which the position could and should be.{{Cite web |last=Daniels |first=Mark |date=February 1, 2019 |title=Patriots' Rob Gronkowksi has set the standard at tight end |url=https://www.southcoasttoday.com/sports/20190201/patriots-rob-gronkowksi-has-set-standard-at-tight-end |access-date=February 19, 2019 |website=SouthCoastTODAY |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Rosenberg |first=Michael |date=February 1, 2019 |title=Rob Gronkowski is just what this Patriots dynasty needed |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/02/01/new-england-patriots-dynasty-rob-gronkowski-appreciation |access-date=February 24, 2019 |website=SI.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Daniels |first=Mark |date=February 1, 2019 |title=Patriots: Tight end Rob Gronkowski has carried tight end position to new heights |url=https://www.telegram.com/news/20190201/patriots-tight-end-rob-gronkowski-has-carried-tight-end-position-to-new-heights |access-date=February 24, 2019 |website=telegram.com |language=en}} For ESPN, "it felt like the tight end position was invented in response to his rare gifts, the singular marriage of power and grace he brought to the game."{{Cite web |last=Kimes |first=Mina |date=March 24, 2019 |title=Gronk's last call? Why the Patriots star's decision wasn't easy |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25933118 |access-date=April 25, 2020 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}

Gronkowski was widely praised for his versatility, having both the catching dexterity of a wide receiver and the blocking skills of an offensive lineman.{{Cite tweet |number=1092855699728678918 |user=NFLFilms |title=Tom Brady sees all! Rob Gronkowski catches all! |date=February 5, 2019 |access-date=February 19, 2019 |language=en |quote="His (Tom Brady's) favorite tight end. The all-world tight end." |url=https://twitter.com/NFLFilms/status/1092855699728678918}}{{Cite web |last=Monson |first=Sam |date=June 17, 2016 |title=What makes Rob Gronkowski the NFL's best offensive player {{!}} PFF News & Analysis {{!}} Pro Football Focus |url=https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pro-rob-gronkowski-is-the-nfls-best-offensive-player-patriots |access-date=February 19, 2019 |website=www.profootballfocus.com}} Such abilities, both played on elite levels, made him the most complete,{{Cite web |last=Reiss |first=Mike |date=March 24, 2019 |title=Rob Gronkowski worthy of first-ballot entry to Pro Football Hall of Fame |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4817187 |access-date=March 25, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} all-around,{{Cite news |last=Connolly |first=Oliver |date=March 25, 2019 |title=Rob Gronkowski played the goofball but few can doubt his greatness |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/mar/25/rob-gronkowski-retirement-new-england-patriots-nfl |access-date=March 26, 2019 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} and true tight end,{{Cite web |title=Brian Baldinger: "Gronk Defined What A True Tight End Is" Ben And Woods – Interviews podcast |url=https://player.fm/series/ben-and-woods-interviews/brian-baldinger-gronk-defined-what-a-true-tight-end-is |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329042007/https://player.fm/series/ben-and-woods-interviews/brian-baldinger-gronk-defined-what-a-true-tight-end-is |archive-date=March 29, 2019 |access-date=March 29, 2019 |website=player.fm |language=en}} unlike other players of his position who were either only a receiver or blocker.{{Cite tweet |number=1100171426974306304 |user=BaldyNFL |title=Patriots Rob Gronkowski has been the most dominant TE in the NFL for a decade there isn't a close #2. Will the college game ever produce another complete TE like the GRONK? |first=Brian |last=Baldinger |date=February 25, 2019 |access-date=February 26, 2019 |language=en |url=https://twitter.com/BaldyNFL/status/1100171426974306304 |website=Twitter}}{{Cite tweet |number=534194084370333697 |user=YahooSportsNFL |title=Man, Gronk, wow. Just eviscerated that guy. The best receiving TE in football can block like a lineman. Unfair. |date=November 16, 2014 |access-date=February 26, 2019 |language=en |url=https://twitter.com/YahooSportsNFL/status/534194084370333697}}{{Cite web |last=Wolfe |first=Cameron |date=January 22, 2016 |title=Broncos plan to slow down Patriots' Rob Gronkowski with physicality, better tackling |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2016/01/22/broncos-plan-to-slow-down-patriots-rob-gronkowski-with-physicality-better-tackling/ |access-date=February 26, 2019 |website=The Denver Post |language=en-US |quote="Total package, man," Aqib Talib said in his press conference Thursday, "Best tight end I've ever seen play the game, man. It'll definitely be a tough cover any time he's split out wide."}} Big, strong and agile at 6'6" and 265-pounds with hands measuring 10 ¾ inches from thumb to pinkie, he has been compared to NBA's LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal as one of the most physically gifted athletes in American sports history.{{Cite web |last=Reiss |first=Mike |date=October 30, 2016 |title=Is Rob Gronkowski the best tight end in the history of the NFL? |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4797082 |access-date=February 26, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=November 4, 2015 |title=Jay Gruden compares Gronkowski to LeBron: 'He's going to get his points' |url=http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/new-england-patriots-washington-redskins-jay-gruden-rob-gronkowksi-lebron-james-comparison-110415 |access-date=February 24, 2019 |website=FOX Sports |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |last=Shpigel |first=Ben |date=February 1, 2012 |title=Gronkowski's Big Hands Are a Key to His Success |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/02/sports/football/gronkowskis-big-hands-are-a-key-to-his-success.html |access-date=February 19, 2019 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite web |title=Tony Gonzalez: Rob Gronkowski is the Shaquille O'Neal of the NFL |url=http://www.nfl.com/videos/good-morning-football/0ap3000000913100/Tony-Gonzalez-Rob-Gronkowski-is-the-Shaquille-O-Neal-of-the-NFL |access-date=February 24, 2019 |website=NFL.com |language=en}} Gronkowski is also known for his high football IQ and has been acknowledged for his intelligent and versatile route-running.{{Cite web |date=January 24, 2018 |title=NFL1000: Ranking the Top Tight Ends of 2017 Season |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2754254-nfl1000-ranking-the-top-tight-ends-of-2017-season |access-date=February 24, 2019 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Benoit |first=Andy |date=September 15, 2016 |title=Rob Gronkowski, Football's Brainiest Tight End |url=https://www.si.com/mmqb/2016/09/13/rob-gronkowski-patriots-nfls-brainiest-tight-end |access-date=February 24, 2019 |website=SI.com |language=en}} A consummate teammate, he is known for his infectious positivity, with Bill Belichick remarking “In the ultimate team sport, Rob was a great, great teammate. His production spoke for itself, but his daily attitude, unmistakably positive energy wherever he went and toward whoever he touched will never be forgotten.”{{Cite web |date=March 24, 2019 |title=Bill Belichick Statement on Rob Gronkowski |url=https://www.patriots.com/news/bill-belichick-statement-on-rob-gronkowski |access-date=October 6, 2022 |website=Patriots.com |language=en-US}} He was the highest ranked tight end in the annual NFL Top 100 Players five times, as voted by his peers. The Patriots also included him in its 2010s All-Decade Team.{{Cite web |date=May 1, 2020 |title=Patriots announce 2010s All-Decade Team |url=https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-announce-2010s-all-decade-team?campaign=sf:fanshare:facebook |access-date=April 30, 2020 |website=www.patriots.com |language=en-US}} Regarded as one of football's finest players, he has set several NFL records and was selected not only in the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team{{Cite web |last=Battista |first=Judy |date=April 6, 2020 |title=NFL's 2010s All-Decade Team |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-2010s-all-decade-team-tom-brady-aaron-donald-headliners-0ap3000001108338 |access-date=April 6, 2020 |website=NFL.com |language=en}} but also in the NFL's 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.{{Cite web |title=NFL All-Time Team: Rob Gronkowski |url=http://www.nfl.com/videos/all-time-team/0ap3000001087426/NFL-All-Time-Team-Rob-Gronkowski |access-date=December 15, 2019 |website=NFL.com |language=en}} Gronkowski is also widely thought of as the best tight end in the history of the game.

His effervescence and irreverence made him not only a fan favorite,{{Cite web |last=Nesbitt |first=Andy |date=March 24, 2019 |title=Tom Brady reacts to Rob Gronkowski's retirement: 'Love u man!!' |url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/2019/03/rob-gronkowski-retires-tom-brady-reacts |access-date=March 25, 2019 |website=For The Win |language=en}} but also an icon{{Cite web |last=Curran |first=Tom E. |date=March 24, 2019 |title=Curran: Gronk had nothing more to give |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/patriots/curran-rob-gronkowski-had-nothing-more-give |access-date=March 25, 2019 |website=NBC Sports Boston |language=en |quote=Gronk proved a 6–6, 260-pound behemoth with muscles on his muscles, a so-so command of the King's English and the sense of humor of a seventh-grader could become an icon by never being anything but himself.}} and a folk hero.{{Cite web |last=Buell |first=Spencer |date=March 25, 2019 |title=In a Few Short Years, There Was Just So Much Gronk |url=https://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/2019/03/25/so-much-gronk/ |access-date=March 26, 2019 |website=Boston Magazine |language=en-US}} Gronkowski is considered one of the most unique personalities in sports, and has played with "an inimitable combination of acrobatic athleticism and reckless abandon"{{Cite web |last=Pennington |first=Bill |date=March 25, 2019 |title=Gronk Cruises Away from N.F.L., Leaving a Big Hole |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/25/sports/gronk-retires.html |access-date=March 26, 2019 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} all the while maintaining his boyish enthusiasm and humor.{{Cite web |last=Cowherd |first=Colin |date=March 25, 2019 |title=The evolution of Gronk with the Patriots is a great example for other stars with big personalities |url=https://twitter.com/TheHerd/status/1110232880125485057 |access-date=March 26, 2019 |website=@TheHerd |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Blackburn |first=Pete |date=March 25, 2019 |title=Rob Gronkowski's most memorable moments, both on and off the field, from a wild NFL career |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/rob-gronkowskis-most-memorable-moments-both-on-and-off-the-field-from-a-wild-nfl-career/ |access-date=March 26, 2019 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}

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| quote = "Gronk is a one of a kind person, player and friend. He is one of the most positive people I have ever been around and he loves to have fun. What you see is what you get and whether he is dancing, singing, laughing, or spiking, he is true to himself."

–Teammate Tom Brady, 2015{{Cite web |date=July 17, 2015 |title=Gronk: Partying makes me a better player |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-england-patriots-rob-gronkowski-partying-deflate-gate-brady-chemistry/ |access-date=November 5, 2015 |website=CBS News}}

}}Known for his exuberant personality, Gronkowski has been credited in resurrecting the spike as a touchdown celebration and making it his own.{{Cite web |last=Bishop |first=Greg |date=February 1, 2012 |title=Rob Gronkowski's Spiking Resurrects an N.F.L. Art |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/02/sports/football/rob-gronkowskis-spiking-resurrects-an-nfl-art.html |access-date=February 24, 2019 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite web |date=June 26, 2015 |title=The Gronk Spike – ESPN Video |url=https://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=12258063 |access-date=February 26, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} His signature "Gronk Spike" has been a product of the less restrictive scoring celebrations of the NFL compared to high school and college and debuted on September 26, 2010, after scoring his second NFL touchdown.{{Cite web |last=Cimini |first=Rich |date=January 30, 2018 |title=The majesty of the Gronk Spike: How it began and why it's so awesome |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4811068 |access-date=February 24, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} It had become a fan phenomenon, with MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference calculating that Gronkowski's arm moves 130° with the football leaving his hand at 60 miles per hour delivering 650 pounds of force.{{Cite web |date=January 20, 2012 |title=Rob Gronkowski's TD ritual becomes a fan phenomenon |url=https://www.bostonherald.com/2012/01/20/rob-gronkowskis-td-ritual-becomes-a-fan-phenomenon/ |access-date=February 24, 2019 |website=Boston Herald |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}}{{Cite web |last=Samano |first=Simon |date=January 20, 2012 |title=Spike-tacular: Gronk's signature TD celebration a huge hit |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/spike-tacular-gronk-s-signature-td-celebration-a-huge-hit-09000d5d8262a7e5 |access-date=February 24, 2019 |website=NFL.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=January 20, 2012 |title=Let's get Physical |url=https://www.bostonherald.com/2012/01/20/lets-get-physical/ |access-date=February 24, 2019 |website=Boston Herald |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}}{{Cite web |last=Siegel |first=Alan |date=November 5, 2012 |title=A Brief History Of The Gronkowski Spike |url=https://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/2012/11/05/history-gronkowski-gronk-spike/ |access-date=February 24, 2019 |website=Boston Magazine |language=en-US}} He is also known to dance before spiking,{{Cite web |date=September 9, 2018 |title=Get it to the GRONK. |url=https://twitter.com/Patriots/status/1038839018597711872 |access-date=February 26, 2019 |website=Twitter |publisher=New England Patriots |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=September 13, 2015 |title=Score. Dance. Spike. A recap of Gronk's third TD. |url=https://twitter.com/Patriots/status/643216258402545664 |access-date=February 26, 2019 |website=Twitter |publisher=New England Patriots |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Mullen |first=Logan |date=September 10, 2018 |title=Bill Belichick Enjoyed Rob Gronkowski's Dance/Spike After Week 1 Touchdown |url=https://nesn.com/2018/09/bill-belichick-enjoyed-rob-gronkowskis-dance-spike-after-week-1-touchdown/ |access-date=February 26, 2019 |website=NESN.com |language=en}} and in 2012 imitated a Queen's Guard which he described as "that little nutcracker dude" before his touchdown celebration while playing at Wembley Stadium in the United Kingdom.{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Nate |date=October 28, 2012 |title=Patriots' Rob Gronkowski mimics Queen's Guard prior to TD spike |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/gameon/2012/10/28/rob-gronkowski-queens-guard-touchdown-spike-new-england-patriots/1 |website=USA Today}}{{dead link|date=August 2023|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{Cite web |last=Morgan |first=Patrick |date=September 12, 2019 |title=Rob Gronkowski reflects on most memorable TD spikes |url=https://musketfire.com/2019/09/12/rob-gronkowski-reflects-td-spikes/ |access-date=September 16, 2022 |website=Musket Fire |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Nate |date=October 28, 2012 |title=Patriots' Rob Gronkowski mimics Queen's Guard prior to TD spike (VIDEO) |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/gameon/2012/10/28/rob-gronkowski-queens-guard-touchdown-spike-new-england-patriots/1664019/ |access-date=November 25, 2020 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}

In July 2015, Gronkowski co-wrote a memoir titled It's Good to be Gronk with Jason Rosenhaus.{{Cite web |last=Theytaz |first=Emily |date=July 15, 2015 |title=Here's What We Learned from 'It's Good to Be Gronk' |url=https://www.bostonmagazine.com/arts-entertainment/2015/07/15/its-good-to-be-gronk-2/ |access-date=January 21, 2023 |website=Boston Magazine |language=en-US}} It was published by Simon & Schuster's and Derek Jeter's Jeter Publishing and became a New York Times Bestseller.{{Cite book |last1=Gronkowski |first1=Rob "Gronk" |url=https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Its-Good-to-Be-Gronk/Rob-Gronk-Gronkowski/9781476755007 |title=It's Good to Be Gronk |last2=Rosenhaus |first2=Jason |date=June 13, 2017 |publisher=Simon and Schuster |isbn=9781476755007 |language=en}}{{Cite news |title=Sports and Fitness Books - Best Sellers - August 9, 2015 - The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/books/best-sellers/2015/08/09/sports/ |access-date=February 16, 2019 |work=The New York Times |language=en |issn=0362-4331}}

Started in 2015, Gronkowski and his four brothers operate Gronk Fitness,{{Cite web |date=August 18, 2016 |title=Gronkowskis Launch Fitness Gear Line |url=https://www.mensjournal.com/sports/gronkowski-family-about-dominate-your-gym-line-fitness-gear/ |access-date=December 16, 2021 |website=Men's Journal |language=en-US}} a fitness business that sells Gronk-branded gym equipment and has partnerships with other fitness companies including Life Fitness and Xtreme Monkey.

Gronkowski has stated that partying improved his playing abilities noting, "You go out and get refreshed, and it just makes you want to go back out on that practice field and keep going hard."{{Cite web |last=Marcin |first=Tim |date=February 28, 2018 |title=If Rob Gronkowski isn't enjoying himself, then I guess we're all doomed to sadness |url=https://www.newsweek.com/if-rob-gronkowski-retires-not-enjoying-himself-then-all-doomed-sadness-824842 |access-date=December 26, 2018 |website=Newsweek |language=en}} During an on-air interview with ESPN Deportes after an AFC Championship win in 2012 he responded in Spanish answering, "¡Yo soy fiesta!" (literally, "I am party!") when asked how he will celebrate the victory.{{Cite magazine |last=Ballard |first=Chris |date=September 3, 2012 |title=The Last Happy Man |url=https://www.si.com/vault/2012/09/03/106228989/the-last-happy-man |access-date=March 27, 2019 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en}} The clip went viral, and his Gronk Nation, L.L.C. later trademarked the catchphrase.{{Cite web |title=YO SOY FIESTA Trademark of Gronk Nation, L.L.C. Serial Number: 85683867 :: Trademarkia Trademarks |url=https://trademark.trademarkia.com/yo-soy-fiesta-85683867.html |access-date=March 25, 2019 |website=trademark.trademarkia.com |language=en}}

In 2019, Gronkowski entered ESPN's "World Fame 100" list of most famous athletes in the world; the outlet estimated his endorsement income the past year alone was $8 million.{{Cite web |title=2019 World Fame 100: Who are the biggest names in sports? |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/26113613/espn-world-fame-100-2019 |access-date=March 18, 2019 |website=ESPN.com}} In March 2021, his first NFT card collection sold for $1.2 million.{{Cite web |last=Roscher |first=Liz |date=March 24, 2021 |title=Rob Gronkowski's first NFT card collection brings in over $1.2 million |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-buccaneers-rob-gronkowskis-first-nft-card-collection-brings-in-12-million-202252299.html |access-date=September 16, 2022 |website=Yahoo! Sports}}

In October 2020, ZooTampa at Lowry Park named their newly born greater one-horned rhino "Gronk" to celebrate Gronkowski joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.{{Cite magazine |last=West |first=Jenna |date=October 24, 2020 |title=Tampa Zoo Names Baby Rhino After Rob Gronkowski |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/10/24/tampa-zoo-names-baby-rhino-after-rob-gronkowski |access-date=September 16, 2022 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}}

In October 2024, Gronkowski partnered with his former teammate Julian Edelman and Assaf Swissa, founder of the creative agency Superdigital, to establish Nuthouse Sports (formerly Coast Productions).{{Cite web |last=Weprin |first=Alex |date=October 14, 2024 |title=Rob Gronkowski Gets Into Entertainment Biz, Joins Nuthouse Sports as Partner (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/rob-gronkowski-nuthouse-sports-dudes-on-dudes-1236030183/ |access-date=October 18, 2024 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}} This entertainment studio launched the podcast "Dudes on Dudes with Gronk and Jules," which premiered on October 15, 2024.

Gronkowski has appeared in print, television and online advertisements for brands such as USAA,{{Cite web |last=Lefton |first=Terry |date=September 23, 2022 |title=USAA to debut second year of Rob Gronkowski ads |url=https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Morning-Buzz/2022/09/23/Gronk-USAA-ads.aspx |access-date=January 21, 2023 |website=Sports Business Journal |language=en}} Nike,{{Cite web |last=Meech |first=Mike |date=October 29, 2015 |title=Watch: Nike's Gronk-led star-studded new 'Snow Day' commercial is fantastic |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/the700level/watch-nikes-gronk-led-star-studded-new-snow-day-commercial-fantastic |access-date=February 16, 2019 |website=NBC Sports Philadelphia}} Dunkin' Donuts,{{Cite news |last=van der Pool |first=Lisa |date=March 27, 2012 |title=Dunkin' signs 2-year sponsorship with Patriots' Gronkowski |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/boston/news/2012/03/27/dunkin-donuts-gronkowski-sponsorship.html |access-date=December 31, 2013 |work=Boston Business Journal |publisher=American City Business Journals}} Visa,{{Cite web |title=Visa Checkout – "The Big Gronkowski" |url=https://www.adforum.com/creative-work/ad/player/34521133/the-big-gronkowski/visa-checkout |access-date=February 16, 2019 |website=AdForum |language=en}} T-Mobile,{{Cite web |date=February 4, 2014 |title=Rob Gronkowski wants T-Mobile on his team {{!}} T-Mobile Commercial |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoulFeZbMv0 |access-date=February 16, 2019 |website=YouTube |publisher=T-Mobile}} Tide,{{Cite web |last=Jardine |first=Alexandra |date=August 31, 2017 |title=Rob Gronkowski Plays a Bad Smell in This Tide Ad About Stinky Athletes |url=https://adage.com/creativity/work/sport-odor-defense-collection/52571 |access-date=February 16, 2019 |website=adage.com |language=en}} Lyft,{{Cite web |date=October 25, 2016 |title=Undercover Lyft with Rob Gronkowski |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=z5H79SnDn0I |access-date=February 18, 2019 |website=YouTube |publisher=Lyft}} JetBlue,{{Cite web |date=November 23, 2015 |title=Rob Gronkowski Stars As JetBlue Flight Attendant In Funny Commercial |url=https://nesn.com/2015/11/rob-gronkowski-stars-as-jetblue-flight-attendant-in-funny-commercial-video/ |access-date=November 25, 2020 |website=NESN.com |language=en-US}} Zynga,{{Cite web |last=Heitner |first=Darren |date=April 7, 2015 |title=Opendorse Raises $1.75 Million With Plans To Make Athlete Endorsements Smarter |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/darrenheitner/2015/04/07/opendorse-raises-1-75-million-with-plans-to-make-athlete-endorsements-smarter/ |access-date=November 2, 2016 |website=Forbes}} Cheerios,{{Cite web |date=October 2, 2018 |title=Eat Good, Do Good with Honey Nut Cheerios™ Good Rewards Program |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/eat-good-do-good-with-honey-nut-cheerios-good-rewards-program-300722526.html |access-date=February 16, 2019 |website=www.prnewswire.com |language=en}} Oberto,{{Cite web |last=Dosh |first=Kristi |date=October 13, 2017 |title=Rob Gronkowski Shines As Brand Ambassador For Oberto Beef Jerky In New Campaign |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/kristidosh/2017/10/13/rob-gronkowski-shines-as-brand-ambassador-for-oberto-beef-jerky-in-new-campaign/ |access-date=February 16, 2019 |website=Forbes |language=en}} SixStar Pro,{{Cite web |date=December 2, 2014 |title=Rob Gronkowski – Plan |url=https://www.sixstarpro.com/can/post-format-video-can/rob-gronkowski-plan/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190216153521/https://www.sixstarpro.com/can/post-format-video-can/rob-gronkowski-plan/ |archive-date=February 16, 2019 |access-date=February 16, 2019 |website=Six Star Pro Nutrition |language=en-CA}} Monster Energy,{{Cite web |date=November 22, 2015 |title=Pats' Gronkowski signs with Monster energy drink |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/14188905/rob-gronkowski-new-england-patriots-signs-monster-energy-drink |access-date=January 14, 2024 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} SMS Audio,{{Cite web |date=January 6, 2015 |title=CES 2015: Rob Gronkowski Joins SMS Audio™ as Brand Ambassador |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150106005106/en/CES-2015-Rob-Gronkowski-Joins-SMS-Audio%E2%84%A2-as-Brand-Ambassador |access-date=January 14, 2024 |website=www.businesswire.com |language=en}}Campbell's,{{Cite web |title=NYSportsJournalism.com – NFL Soups Up |url=http://nysportsjournalism.squarespace.com/nfl-soups-up-60510/;jsessionid=7F81311FC3BAD6C61ED4F70CB1339F5D.v5-web020 |access-date=January 14, 2024 |website=nysportsjournalism.squarespace.com |language=en}} Bodyarmor SuperDrink,{{Cite news |last=Madden |first=Lance |date=August 14, 2012 |title=Rob Gronkowski Becomes Endorser, Investor for Bodyarmor SuperDrink |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/lancemadden/2012/08/14/rob-gronkowski-becomes-endorser-investor-for-bodyarmor-superdrink/ |access-date=December 31, 2013 |work=Forbes}} DraftKings,{{Cite web |date=November 10, 2015 |title=Gronk's How-To Guide To Playing At DraftKings |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NvLJJqbGs8 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211220/_NvLJJqbGs8 |archive-date=December 20, 2021 |access-date=February 16, 2019 |website=YouTube |publisher=DraftKings}}{{cbignore}} Kids Footlocker,{{Cite web |date=August 5, 2015 |title=Gronk stars in "Grown Up' Kids Foot Locker commercial |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/new-england-patriots/gronk-stars-grown-kids-foot-locker-commercial |access-date=February 16, 2019 |website=NBC Sports Boston}} and video games Mobile Strike{{Cite web |date=November 11, 2015 |title=At Home With The Gronkowskis: Episode 1 (Operation Mobile Strike) – Mobile Strategy Game |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvNmIZqU52g |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211220/lvNmIZqU52g |archive-date=December 20, 2021 |access-date=February 16, 2019 |website=YouTube |publisher=Mobile Strike}}{{cbignore}} and Halo{{Cite web |last=Reiss |first=Mike |date=October 31, 2015 |title=Rob Gronkowski on Stephen Colbert show: 'I just love Halloween' |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4786990 |access-date=February 16, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} among others.

In 2012, PLB Sports began manufacturing "Gronk Flakes", a frosted cornflakes breakfast cereal named after and endorsed by Gronkowski. Its initial run of 64,800 boxes cost $3.99 each and available at Stop & Shop supermarkets in New England.{{Cite web |last=Rovell |first=Darren |date=September 22, 2012 |title=Gronk Flakes hitting New England shelves |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/playbook/dollars/post/_/id/1677 |access-date=February 16, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} After the success of the cereals, PLB Sports released "Gronk's Hot Sauce" in 2015.{{Cite web |last=Rovell |first=Darren |date=September 4, 2015 |title=That's hot: Pats' Gronkowski to debut hot sauce |url=https://www.espn.com/boston/nfl/story/_/id/13581358 |access-date=February 16, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} The following year Gronkowski and Monster Energy released a signature "Gronk" beverage distributed by Coca-Cola.{{Cite web |last=Rovell |first=Darren |date=November 22, 2015 |title=Pats' Gronkowski signs with Monster energy drink |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/14188905/rob-gronkowski-new-england-patriots-signs-monster-energy-drink |access-date=September 30, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}

Gronkowski has appeared for several advertisements for Tide including commercials for Super Bowl LI.{{Cite web |date=February 3, 2017 |title=Video: Rob Gronkowski to Star in a Tide Super Bowl Commercial |url=https://abcnews.go.com/WNT/video/rob-gronkowski-star-tide-super-bowl-commercial-45260698 |access-date=February 18, 2019 |website=ABC News |language=en}} He was the endorser of Tide Pods,{{Cite web |date=July 17, 2018 |title=Tide {{!}} Tide PODS® Talk With Gronk |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_vVBuyJZaQ |access-date=February 18, 2019 |website=YouTube |publisher=Tide}} and consequently partnered with the brand for a public service announcement discouraging children and teens from eating the laundry detergent pods after a viral internet challenge in 2017–18.{{Cite news |last=Tsuji |first=Alysha |date=January 12, 2018 |title=Rob Gronkowski tells everyone not to eat Tide Pods |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ftw/2018/01/12/rob-gronkowski-tells-everyone-not-to-eat-tide-pods-what-the-heck-is-going-on-people/109410444/ |access-date=January 13, 2018 |work=USA TODAY |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=January 12, 2018 |title=Gronk knows that Tide PODS® are for DOING LAUNDRY. Nothing else. |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DrC_PF_3Lg |access-date=February 18, 2019 |website=YouTube |publisher=Tide}}{{cbignore}}{{Dead YouTube link|date=February 2022}}{{cbignore}}{{Dead YouTube link|date=February 2022}}

In August 2019, Gronkowski credited cannabidiol (CBD) oil, the non-psychoactive component of cannabis plants, for making him pain-free for the first time in a decade, and has advocated sports governing bodies to allow players to use it for pain management.{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=August 27, 2019 |title=Rob Gronkowski not returning in 'foreseeable future' |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001044528/article/rob-gronkowski-not-returning-in-foreseeable-future |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827170335/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001044528/article/rob-gronkowski-not-returning-in-foreseeable-future |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 27, 2019 |access-date=August 27, 2019 |website=NFL.com |language=en}}

A lifelong wrestling fan, Gronkowski first made a cameo appearance during the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 33 in 2017 to help his friend Mojo Rawley.{{Cite web |date=April 2, 2017 |title=Rob Gronkowski helps Mojo Rawley win the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/33/article/rob-gronkowski-mojo-rawley-andre-the-giant-memorial-battle-royal |access-date=April 24, 2017 |website=WWE.com}} He hosted WrestleMania 36 which aired on April 4–5, 2020,{{Cite web |date=March 18, 2020 |title=Unprecedented two-night WrestleMania to be hosted by Rob Gronkowski on WWE Network |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-36/article/wrestlemania-36-two-night-wwe-network-rob-gronkowski-host |access-date=March 18, 2020 |website=WWE |language=en}} and won the WWE 24/7 Championship on the second day of the event.{{Cite web |title=WWE 24/7 Championship |url=https://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/24-7-championship |access-date=December 31, 2019 |website=WWE}} After being the longest-reigning champion of the title in a single run, he eventually lost it to R-Truth on June 1, 2020.{{Cite web |title=WWE: The Longest-Reigning 24/7 Champion Rob Gronkowski has a message for Ron Killings |url=https://twitter.com/wwe/status/1265107989402435586 |access-date=June 2, 2020 |website=Twitter |publisher=WWE |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Fiorvanti |first=Tim |date=June 2, 2020 |title=Gronkowski's reign as WWE 24/7 champion ends |url=https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/29253623/rob-gronkowski-reign-wwe-24-7-champion-ends-own-backyard |access-date=June 2, 2020 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} Later that year he won a Slammy Award as Celebrity of the Year in WWE.

File:Rob Gronkowski (53331106832) (cropped).jpg in 2023]]

Gronkowski has been featured on the covers of GQ,{{Cite web |date=May 12, 2016 |title=Rob Gronkowski Just Scored His First GQ Cover! |url=https://www.gq.com/story/rob-gronkowski-first-gq-cover |access-date=February 17, 2019 |website=GQ |language=en}} ESPN The Magazine,{{Cite web |last=Finn |first=Chad |date=December 9, 2014 |title=Rob Gronkowski Opens Up to ESPN About Fears After Knee Injury, Relationship with Tom Brady |url=https://www.boston.com/sports/untagged/2014/12/09/rob_gronkowski_opens_up_to_espn_about_fears_after_knee_injur |access-date=February 17, 2019 |website=Boston.com |language=en-US}} ESPN The Body Issue,{{Cite web |last=Silva |first=Steve |date=July 10, 2012 |title=Rob Gronkowski makes cover of ESPN's 'body issue' |url=http://archive.boston.com/sports/blogs/thebuzz/2012/07/rob_gronkowski_1.html |access-date=February 17, 2019 |website=Boston.com |language=en}} Sports Illustrated,{{Cite web |last=Cole |first=Mike |date=August 29, 2012 |title=Rob Gronkowski Lands on Cover of Sports Illustrated NFL Preview Issue (Photo) |url=https://nesn.com/2012/08/rob-gronkowski-lands-on-cover-of-sports-illustrated-nfl-preview-issue-photo/ |access-date=February 17, 2019 |website=NESN.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Axson |first=Scooby |date=January 6, 2015 |title=SI cover: The Patriots' not-so-secret weapon, Rob Gronkowski |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2015/01/06/new-england-patriots-rob-gronkowski-sports-illustrated-cover |access-date=February 17, 2019 |website=SI.com |language=en}} and Muscle & Fitness{{Cite web |date=September 18, 2012 |title=Rob Gronkowski and Everything NFL in October's Muscle & Fitness |url=https://www.muscleandfitness.com/athletes-celebrities/news/rob-gronkowski-and-everything-nfl-octobers-muscle-fitness |access-date=February 17, 2019 |website=Muscle & Fitness |language=en}} among others. He was the cover of video sports game Madden NFL 17 published by EA Sports in 2016 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One and Xbox 360.{{Cite web |last=Reiss |first=Mike |date=May 12, 2016 |title=Game on: Gronk gets cover of 'Madden NFL '17' |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/15520923/new-england-patriots-te-rob-gronkowski-cover-madden-nfl-17 |access-date=May 13, 2016 |website=ESPN.com}} The cover featured the tight end in his signature touchdown celebration called the "Gronk Spike".{{Cite web |last=Rank |first=Adam |date=May 12, 2016 |title=Rob Gronkowski to be on cover of 'Madden NFL 17' |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/rob-gronkowski-to-be-on-cover-of-madden-nfl-17-0ap3000000662373 |access-date=February 17, 2019 |website=NFL.com |language=en}}

An erotica novel inspired by Gronkowski called A Gronking To Remember, written by Lacey Noonan, was published in December 2014.{{Cite web |date=September 8, 2015 |title=Why Your Most Important Pre-NFL-Season Read Is This Rob Gronkowski Erotic Fan Fiction |url=https://www.gq.com/story/pre-nfl-season-gronking-to-remember |access-date=May 1, 2019 |website=GQ |language=en}} It has been read aloud on broadcast by Gronkowski himself on Jimmy Kimmel Live!,{{Cite web |date=February 3, 2015 |title=Rob Gronkowski Reads Erotic Fan Fiction |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnXAkEnt5fA |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211220/TnXAkEnt5fA |archive-date=December 20, 2021 |access-date=May 1, 2019 |website=YouTube.com |publisher=Jimmy Kimmel Live}}{{cbignore}} as well as comedian Gilbert Gottfried,{{Cite web |last=Hess |first=Amanda |date=January 6, 2015 |title=An Interview With Lacey Noonan, Rob Gronkowski Erotica Author |url=https://slate.com/human-interest/2015/01/a-gronking-to-remember-an-interview-with-lacey-noonan-author-of-rob-gronkowski-erotica.html |access-date=May 1, 2019 |website=Slate Magazine |language=en}} and rapper Travis Scott.{{Cite web |date=September 16, 2015 |title=Travis Scott reads like Gronk on SportsNation – ESPN Video |url=https://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=13666182 |access-date=May 1, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}

Gronkowski has appeared as fictionalized versions of himself in the 2015 film Entourage, a 2017 episode of Family Guy entitled "Gronkowsbees", The Simpsons episode "The Town", and has roles in the American crime-drama thriller film American Violence (2017) and You Can't Have It (2017) among others.{{Cite web |last=Knowlton |first=Emmett |date=January 5, 2017 |title=Rob Gronkowski is starring in two upcoming crime thrillers |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/rob-gronkowski-movie-star-2017-1 |access-date=September 30, 2019 |website=Business Insider}} He had been a co-host of Crashletes from 2016 to 2017 on Nickelodeon{{Cite web |last=McLennan |first=Cindy |date=September 1, 2016 |title=Crashletes: Season Two Renewal for Nickelodeon Sports Series |url=http://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/crashletes-season-two-renewal-nickelodeon-sports-series/ |access-date=October 7, 2016 |website=TV Series Finale}} and competed in TBS's Drop the Mic in 2017.{{Cite web |last=Schwartz |first=Nick |date=November 1, 2017 |title=Gina Rodriguez destroyed Rob Gronkowski in a 'Drop the Mic' rap battle |url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/2017/11/gina-rodriguez-destroyed-rob-gronkowski-in-a-drop-the-mic-rap-battle |access-date=February 16, 2019 |website=For The Win |language=en}} The same year, Gronkowski appeared on ABC's Shark Tank.{{Cite web |last=Kerr-Dineen |first=Luke |date=October 16, 2017 |title=The Gronk brothers played flip cup on 'Shark Tank' then walked away with 150k |url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2017/10/rob-gronkowski-ice-shaker-mark-cuban-a-rod-shark-tank-flip-cup-investment-video |access-date=June 10, 2018 |website=USA Today}}

In 2017, Gronkowski executive produced and hosted Verizon's Go90 original show MVP in which "business owners and entrepreneurs pitch their products or services to a panel of VIP athletes who weigh in with their expert opinion."{{Cite web |last=Emery |first=Debbie |date=January 25, 2017 |title=Patriots Star Rob Gronkowski Fields Pitches From Entrepreneurs on Verizon go90's 'MVP' |url=https://www.thewrap.com/new-england-patriots-star-rob-gronkowski-stars-produces-talent-finding-show-mvp-on-verizon-go90/ |access-date=February 20, 2019 |website=TheWrap |language=en-US}} It had 36 episodes in two seasons.{{Cite web |last=Emery |first=Debbie |date=September 7, 2017 |title='MVP' Gets the Super Bowl Treatment as NFL star Rob Gronkowski Returns for Season 2 |url=https://www.thewrap.com/mvp-rob-gronkowski-new-england-patriots/ |access-date=February 20, 2019 |website=TheWrap |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Emery |first=Debbie |date=October 10, 2017 |title=Rob Gronkowski Strips Off His Shirt, Flips Steaks on 'MVP' Season 2 (Video) |url=https://www.thewrap.com/rob-gronkowski-strips-off-his-shirt-flips-steaks-on-mvp-season-2-video/ |access-date=February 20, 2019 |website=TheWrap |language=en-US}} In July 2018, he joined Discovery Channel's Shark Week where he helped tag endangered tiger sharks in The Bahamas.{{Cite web |last=Carroll |first=Catherine |date=July 20, 2018 |title=Watch: Patriots' Rob Gronkowski swims with sharks |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/07/20/rob-gronkowski-shark-week-diving-bahamas |access-date=February 22, 2019 |website=SI.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Fiske |first=Angelique |date=July 24, 2018 |title=Gronk tags a tiger shark for 'Shark Week' |url=https://www.patriots.com/news/gronk-tags-a-tiger-shark-for-shark-week?campaign=sf:fanshare:facebook |access-date=February 22, 2019 |website=www.patriots.com |language=en-US}}

Gronkowski joined Fox Sports as an analyst for its NFL programming during his year-long retirement in 2019,{{Cite web |last=Pedersen |first=Erik |date=October 8, 2019 |title=Rob Gronkowski Joins Fox Sports As NFL Analyst After Three Super Bowl Wins With Patriots |url=https://deadline.com/2019/10/rob-gronkowski-fox-sports-nfl-analystthursday-night-football-pregame-1202755145/ |access-date=October 9, 2019 |website=Deadline |language=en}} making his on-air debut during Fox NFL Thursday.{{Cite web |last=Kim |first=Allen |date=October 8, 2019 |title=Rob Gronkowski is back, but this time as an NFL analyst on FOX Sports |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/10/08/sport/rob-gronkowski-fox-sports-trnd/index.html |access-date=October 9, 2019 |website=CNN.com}} Gronkowski also co-hosted Fox's New Year's Eve with Steve Harvey in New York in 2019.

In 2020, Gronkowski competed on the third season of The Masked Singer as "White Tiger" where he made it to the Super Nine.{{Cite web |last=Schneider |first=Michael |date=April 2, 2020 |title='The Masked Singer' Reveals the Identity of the White Tiger: Here's the Star Under the Mask |url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/the-masked-singer-season-3-episode-10-recap-white-tiger-1203552305/ |access-date=April 2, 2020 |website=Variety |language=en}} In April 2020, he and his partner Camille Kostek starred in the music video of "I'll Wait" by Kygo.{{Cite web |last=Stone |first=Katie |date=April 3, 2020 |title=Kygo and Sasha Sloan Warm Souls with "I'll Wait" |url=https://edm.com/music-releases/kygo-sasha-slon-ill-wait |access-date=April 4, 2020 |website=EDM.com |language=en}} He also served as team captain in the sports-based comedy panel game Game On! which premiered on May 27, 2020, on CBS and ran for one season.{{Cite web |last=White |first=Peter |date=April 29, 2020 |title=CBS Pushes 'The Amazing Race' To Later In 2020, Sets Premieres For Reality Series 'Game On!' & 'Tough As Nails' |url=https://deadline.com/2020/05/cbs-sets-premieres-game-on-tough-as-nails-pushes-amazing-race-later-2020-1202921091/ |access-date=April 29, 2020 |website=Deadline}}

He co-hosted the 2022 Kids' Choice Awards with Miranda Cosgrove on April 9, 2022, on Nickelodeon.{{Cite web |last=Pedersen |first=Erik |date=March 9, 2022 |title=Kids' Choice Awards Nominations Set; Miranda Cosgrove & Rob Gronkowski To Host Show |url=https://deadline.com/2022/03/kids-choice-awards-2022-nominations-hosts-miranda-cosgrove-rob-gronkowski-1234974061/ |access-date=March 9, 2022 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}

On December 31, 2024, he appeared in Las Vegas as a co-host on Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve.{{cite web | last=Tenser | first=Phil | title=Gronk to host portion of 'Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin Eve' | website=WCVB | date=2024-12-23 | url=https://www.wcvb.com/article/gronk-abc-new-years-rockin-eve-las-vegas/63264340 | access-date=2025-01-21}}

[[File:Rob Gronkowski football camp a 'touchdown' with youth at JBA 150702-F-CX842-139.jpg|thumb|Gronkowski coaching [[Military brat (U.S. subculture)|

military kids]] for a two-day football camp at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland in 2015.|243x243px]]

Gronkowski set up the Gronk Nation Youth Foundation which is dedicated to "help kids stay actively involved in school and sports and provide them with the tools needed to help them follow their dreams and live a happy and more successful life". The foundation provides grants to sports programs with an emphasis on health, community and fitness.{{Cite web |title=Foundation |url=https://gronknation.com/pages/foundation |access-date=September 30, 2019 |website=Gronk Nation |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624203227/https://gronknation.com/pages/foundation |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Shannon Shelton |date=August 14, 2018 |title=Rob Gronkowksi speaks out on having fun—and giving back |url=https://www.chase.com/news/081318-kd-rob-gronk |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930053702/https://www.chase.com/news/081318-kd-rob-gronk |archive-date=September 30, 2019 |access-date=September 30, 2019 |website=Chase.com}} He stated, "I created the Gronk Nation Youth Foundation with my family and my friends, because growing up, I had a lot. I had everything as a kid, from playgrounds to sports, and a lot of people to play with, and thus everything I needed to be successful later as an athlete."{{Cite magazine |last=Frye |first=Andy |date=January 25, 2017 |title=Rob Gronkowski Has a Softer, Smarter Side |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-sports/the-softer-smarter-side-of-gronk-107396/ |access-date=March 26, 2019 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}

Aside from his own foundation, Gronkowski has also regularly helped the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Patriots Foundation.{{Cite web |last=Shanahan |first=Mark |date=January 25, 2017 |title=Gronk makes wishes come true for young fans – The Boston Globe |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/names/2017/01/25/gronk-makes-wishes-come-true-for-young-fans/eE2NnXT3372zboGERCr2zK/story.html |access-date=September 16, 2022 |website=BostonGlobe.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Fiske |first=Angelique |date=March 25, 2019 |title=Reflection: Rob Gronkowski's legacy goes beyond football |url=https://www.patriots.com/news/reflection-rob-gronkowski-s-legacy-goes-beyond-football?campaign=sf:fanshare:facebook |access-date=March 26, 2019 |website=www.patriots.com |language=en-US}} In addition, he annually shaves his head for One Mission Buzz Off for kids with cancer.{{Cite web |date=June 3, 2018 |title=Gronkowski Shaves His Head In Support Of Cancer Patients |url=https://boston.cbslocal.com/2018/06/03/rob-gronkowski-buzz-off-for-kids-with-cancer/ |access-date=March 26, 2019 |website=CBS – Boston |language=en}} Noted for being generous with his time and resources, Gronkowski has also made several appearances at New England children's hospitals and schools to support local charities.{{Cite web |last=Reiss |first=Mike |date=November 5, 2015 |title=The Rob Gronkowski story not often told: Generosity to charitable causes |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4787119 |access-date=March 26, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Howe |first=Jeff |date=January 11, 2019 |title=On the field, Rob Gronkowski is a superstar. Off it? He's... |url=https://theathletic.com/760752/2019/01/11/on-the-field-rob-gronkowski-is-a-superstar-off-it-hes-been-a-superhero/ |access-date=March 27, 2019 |website=The Athletic}} In 2016, he received the Ron Burton Community Service Award from the New England Patriots for his charitable works and leadership in the local community.{{Cite web |date=August 30, 2016 |title=Rob Gronkowski Receives 2016 Ron Burton Community Service Award |url=https://www.patriots.com/news/rob-gronkowski-receives-2016-ron-burton-community-service-award-269066?campaign=sf:fanshare:facebook |access-date=March 26, 2019 |website=www.patriots.com |language=en-US}}

On March 26, 2019, he accepted the Merit Award from United Service Organizations which recognizes "individuals of outstanding creative talent who are dedicated to serving others through volunteerism."{{Cite news |last=Kilgore |first=Adam |date=March 27, 2019 |title=Rob Gronkowski accepted an award at a USO dinner, and hilarity ensued |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/03/27/rob-gronkowski-accepted-an-award-uso-dinner-hilarity-ensued/ |access-date=September 30, 2019 |newspaper=The Washington Post}} On April 6, 2019, he was honored with the Wish Hero Award by the Make-A-Wish Foundation for his work on granting 14 wishes of children with life-threatening sicknesses during his professional football career.{{Cite web |last=Yang |first=Nicole |date=April 7, 2019 |title=Rob Gronkowski makes his first public appearance in Boston since retiring |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2019/04/07/rob-gronkowski-makes-his-first-public-appearance-boston-since-retiring/rjwuoYg51Xa7i8ZWksUXFM/story.html |access-date=April 8, 2019 |website=The Boston Globe}}

Gronkowski and his partner Camille Kostek donated more than 20,000 pieces of personal protective equipment to hospitals and fire departments during the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web |last=Mortell |first=Maddie |date=May 23, 2020 |title=Rob Gronkowski and Camille Kostek delivered PPE to Foxborough and Walpole firefighters |url=https://www.boston.com/news/coronavirus/2020/05/23/rob-gronkowski-camille-kostek-firefighters/ |access-date=September 16, 2022 |website=www.boston.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Yang |first=Nicole |date=March 31, 2020 |title=Rob Gronkowski, Camille Kostek donate 10,000 masks to Boston Medical Center |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/03/31/sports/rob-gronkowski-camille-kostek-donate-10000-masks-boston-medical-center/ |access-date=April 2, 2020 |website=The Boston Globe |language=en-US}} In 2021, he donated $1.2 million to renovate the Charlesbank Playground at Boston's Charles River Esplanade hoping that "it will motivate kids to be outdoors, get fit and have fun".{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Zoe Christen |date=May 8, 2021 |title=Rob Gronkowski donates $1.2 million to renovate Boston playground |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rob-gronkowski-boston-playground-renovation/ |access-date=May 9, 2021 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}

In February 2023, Gronkowski formed a partnership with an animal health company to raise awareness about valley fever in animals.{{Cite news |date=February 20, 2023 |title=Rob Gronkowski launches partnership to help pets in need |url=https://news3lv.com/news/local/rob-gronkowski-launches-partnership-to-help-pets-in-need |access-date=September 30, 2023 |publisher=KSNV |language=en}} In September 2023, he met with members of the United States House of Representatives to discuss the development of a vaccine for valley fever.{{Cite news |last=Randazzo |first=Ryan |date=September 14, 2023 |title=Rob Gronkowski teams up with Rep. David Schweikert on valley fever vaccine for dogs |url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-health/2023/09/14/rob-gronkowski-rep-david-schweikert-valley-fever-vaccine-dogs/70827084007/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230915095223/https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-health/2023/09/14/rob-gronkowski-rep-david-schweikert-valley-fever-vaccine-dogs/70827084007/ |archive-date=September 15, 2023 |access-date=September 30, 2023 |work=The Arizona Republic}}

File:Camille Kostek in New York, July 2017 2.png]]

Since 2015,{{Cite web |last=Pennington |first=Juliet |date=September 12, 2015 |title=Patriots' Rob Gronkowski and Girlfriend Camille Kostek 'Really Enjoy Being with Each Other,' Source Says |url=https://people.com/celebrity/new-england-patriots-rob-gronkowski-cheered-on-by-girlfriend-camille-kostek/ |access-date=February 16, 2019 |website=PEOPLE.com |language=en}} Gronkowski has been in a relationship with model Camille Kostek.{{Cite web |last=Merrett |first=Robyn |date=May 10, 2019 |title=Rob Gronkowski Keeps Himself Fit After Retirement by Squatting Camille Kostek |url=https://people.com/sports/rob-gronkowski-squats-girlfriend-camille-kostek-sports-illustrated-party/ |access-date=September 6, 2019 |website=PEOPLE.com |language=en}} They first met at a Patriots charity event on Thanksgiving 2013.{{Cite web |date=April 20, 2020 |title=Live with Kelly and Ryan: How Rob Gronkowski and Camille Kostek Met |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnOX0d6JmwY |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211220/HnOX0d6JmwY |archive-date=December 20, 2021 |website=YouTube |publisher=LIVEKellyandRyan}}{{cbignore}} They live in Foxborough, Massachusetts, and Tampa, Florida.{{Cite web |date=May 23, 2020 |title=Rob Gronkowski, Camille Kostek Donate Masks To Foxboro Fire Department |url=https://boston.cbslocal.com/2020/05/23/rob-gronkowski-camille-kostek-donate-masks-foxboro-fire-department-coronavirus/ |access-date=May 26, 2020 |website=CBS Boston |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Stroud |first=Rick |date=December 31, 2020 |title=Rob Gronkowski leaves lasting impression on Bucs |url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/bucs/2020/12/31/rob-gronkowski-leaves-lasting-impression-on-bucs/ |access-date=January 2, 2021 |website=Tampa Bay Times |language=en}}

In 2015, Gronkowski stated that he had not spent any of the money he has made from his NFL contracts and strictly lived off the earnings from his business ventures, endorsement deals, and appearance fees.{{Cite web |date=June 23, 2015 |title=Gronkonomics: TE living off endorsement money |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/13134606/rob-gronkowski-new-england-patriots-says-living-endorsement-money |access-date=April 29, 2020 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Tuttle |first=Brad |date=August 15, 2018 |title=NFL Star Rob Gronkowski Is a Genius for What He Does With His $54 Million Pay |url=https://money.com/rob-gronkowski-money-patriots-nfl-contract/ |access-date=April 29, 2020 |website=Money |language=en}}

• List of celebrities who own cannabis businesses
• List of NFL annual receiving touchdowns leaders
• List of NFL individual records
• Gronkowski (horse), a racehorse named after, and partly owned by, Rob Gronkowski{{Cite web |last=Kahler |first=Kalyn |date=June 5, 2018 |title=Despite underdog status, Rob Gronkowski is all in on his horse |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/06/05/rob-gronkowski-horse-belmont-stakes |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930190123/https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/06/05/rob-gronkowski-horse-belmont-stakes |archive-date=September 30, 2019 |access-date=September 30, 2019 |website=SI.com |language=en}}

{{reflist}}

{{Commons}}

• {{Footballstats |nfl=rob-gronkowski|espn=13229|yahoo=24017 |pfr=G/GronRo00}}
• {{Twitter|RobGronkowski}}
• [https://arizonawildcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=147 Arizona Wildcats bio]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20160304210954/http://www.nfl.com/draft/2010/profiles/rob-gronkowski?id=497240 NFL Combine profile]
• {{IMDb name|4069812}}
• {{WWE superstar|rob-gronkowski|Rob Gronkowski}}

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