Countdown to Kickoff: Profile on New England Patriots No. 87 Rob Gronkowski
By Ryan Disdier
The countdown to the NFL kickoff continues, with a look at the gentle giant, New England Patriots No. 87 Rob Gronkowski.
What can you say about Rob Gronkowski that hasn’t already been said dozens of times?
At this juncture of his career, it seems like everybody knows about the larger-than-life personality of Gronkowski’s. Seriously, Gronk is one of the most popular NFL players, and for good reason.
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The behemoth who is beloved in the New England area was originally a second-round pick back in 2010. Gronk burst onto the scene immediately, hauling in over 500 yards and 10 touchdowns in his first season.
He followed up his first year with a sophomore season featuring 90 receptions, 1,327 yards and 17 touchdowns. From that point on, Gronkowski was regarded as one of the league’s most dangerous targets, and for good reason.
Not only is Gronkowski the finest tight end in the league, one could even argue that he’s the best player to ever play his respective position, regardless of what era.
If you look up ‘matchup nightmare’ in the sports dictionary, you’ll find a picture of Steph Curry’s three-point shot, holding up a picture of Gronkowski.
How can you stop Gronk? He’s far too fast and athletic for linebackers, but also far too big for defensive backs. Watching him in the open field is impressive, and he has a penchant for making some catches that would make Odell Beckham Jr. blush.
So there’s no denying Gronkowski the player is phenomenal. However, it’s his vibrant, fun-loving personality that makes him such a lovable player. It’s amazing, as his gargantuan personality sometimes overshadows his transcendent play.
He’s appeared on late-night segments, danced like nobody’s watching and recently scored the Madden 17 cover.
Gronk is simply a well of entertainment. Here are just a handful of great Gronkowski quotes.
“You’re gonna get Gronk-spiked fo’ sho’… because we don’t get hyped. We stay hyped!” – In a Twitter video supporting his WWE friend.
“No dudes allowed,” Gronkowski said at Super Bowl 49 Media Day. He was referring to his party bus.
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His personality is extremely refreshing in a world where people too frequently take themselves too seriously. Whereas Washington Nationals star Bryce Harper is on a crusade to ‘make baseball fun again,’ Gronkowski’s antics have been a main reason why football has remained fun.
So what can fans expect in 2016? The same old, fun-loving, defense-breaking, keg-standing, ball-spiking Gronkowski. He’s going to, once again, be the focal point of New England’s offense, and he’s in line for another big year.