- Published in 2027 Football Eligibles
Rob Gronkowski
The Gronk.
Half football player/half fratboy but all phenomenal, Rob Gronkowski was a 2010 Second Round Pick from Arizona and was the perfect fit to help Tom Brady and Bill Belichick add a new chapter to their dynasty.
Gronkowski became an immediate fan favorite in New England, and captured the attention of everyone throughout the NFL. While other Tight Ends would generate more yardage than Gronkowski, they were not as large as Gronk, who used his size to become the best blocking Tight End of his era. This additional skill set made gridiron life much easier for the Pats, as Gronk was often more physically intimidating than the defensive studs trying to get to Brady.
Despite his size, Gronkowski had sure hands. Gronkowski rarely dropped a ball; once he had it, he was a load to take down. Gronkowski amassed 7,861 Yards for the Pats over nine seasons but had 79 Touchdowns, showing how perfect he was for clutch and short-yardage situations. The charismatic superstar helped New England win three Super Bowls and was a four-time First Team All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowl individually. With nothing left to prove, Gronkowski retired in 2018, and two years later, he was named to the 2010s All-Decade and NFL 100th Anniversary Team.
The lure of a new challenge brought Gronkowski out of retirement and joined Tom Brady in Tampa Bay. It worked, and Gronkowski won another Super Bowl. He retired for good after 2021 with 9,286 Yards and 92 Touchdowns.
Gronkowski is a lock to enter on his first attempt.