As the Patriots prepare to honor Rob Gronkowski in their Hall of Fame, we highlight some of the most memorable plays that defined his legendary tenure in Foxboro.
Earlier this month, former New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski was announced as the latest inductee into the team’s Hall of Fame. The 38th member of the Patriots Hall of Fame turns 37 years old today — and in celebration, we’ll be reviewing some of his top moments as a Patriot.
During New England’s dynastic run of the 2010s, there are seemingly countless playoff games and Super Bowls where Gronkowski left a lasting impression — those are the easy picks.
From his final catch as a Patriot in Super Bowl LIII that set up the game-winning score, to his touchdown reception in Super Bowl XLIX, and his late-game heroics in the 2015 AFC Championship Game in Denver, Gronkowski’s connection with Tom Brady consistently shined brightest when the team needed them most.
Rather than running through a list of obviously spectacular postseason performances, our list of “Top Gronk Moments” will focus on his regular season impact in Foxboro. And with 521 receptions, 7,861 receiving yards, and 79 receiving touchdowns across nine career regular seasons with New England… there are still plenty to choose from.
Here are just five of our favorite Gronk moments from his Hall of Fame career with the Patriots.
“Threw Him Out Of The Club”
November 16, 2014 at Indianapolis Colts: 4 receptions, 71 yards, 1 touchdown
Rob Gronkowski’s value as an athletic pass-catcher at tight end may have only been rivaled by his value as a blocker in the running game. Not only a threat over the middle or on the perimeter, Gronkowski often acted as an additional offensive lineman to set a strong edge for New England ballcarriers.
That was on full display when the Patriots bested the Indianapolis Colts, 42-20, in Week 11 of the 2014 season. With just under nine minutes remaining in the game and New England on the goal line for the game-sealing score, Gronkowski grabbed a hold of Indianapolis defensive back Sergio Brown and escorted him off the playing field — and into the ground — by force.
A block-finish that is still widely discussed, Gronkowski was asked about the play immediately following the game, to which he responded:
“He was just yapping at me the whole time, so I took him and threw him out of the club.”
The D.C. Bull Run
December 11, 2011 at Washington Redskins: 6 receptions, 160 yards, 2 touchdowns
A match-up nightmare in the secondary, Gronkowski made plowing over smaller defenders with size (6’6”, 265 lbs.) and strength a regular occurrence during his career. Our introduction to that came in flashes, but was put on full display in Week 14 of the 2011 season when the Patriots defeated the Washington Redskins, 34-27.
Gronkowski starred with 160 yards and two touchdowns in the game, but more than his final stat line, he made an impact on the highlight reel by dragging defenders along for the ride en route to one of his greatest career outings.
Taking on two and three tacklers at a time, Gronkowski’s determination and play strength were unequalled on the field that day — and foreshadowed what was to come for the Patriots’ Hall of Famer.
The Catch
November 2, 2014 vs. Denver Broncos: 9 receptions, 105 yards, 1 touchdown
Gronkowski possessed great size and strength, but his athleticism is what made him so difficult for defenses to gameplan around. Too fast for linebackers, too big for corners and safeties, and with 34 ¼” arms with 10 ¾ hands, he consistently showcased an innate ability to stretch and make off-frame throws look like routine catches.
That was on full display in Week 9 of the 2014 season, when New England bested the Peyton Manning-led Denver Broncos, 43-21. With the Patriots driving early in the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach, Brady targeted Gronkowski over the middle of the field on a throw that was high and behind his intended receiver. Gronkowski reached back with his left hand, fully extending his arm, and snagged the bullet-pass from behind to move the sticks and push the ball inside the Broncos’ five-yard line.
It was one of the great receptions of Gronkowski’s career, and came at an opportune time for New England against Manning and Denver.
The Bus Stops in Pittsburgh
December 17, 2017 at Pittsburgh Steelers: 9 receptions, 168 yards, 2-pt conversion
There wasn’t a reach back for the football in the Patriots’ Week 15 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, 27-24, in 2017 — but there was a reach down.
Trailing late in the fourth quarter, New England needed to mount a drive. As per usual, Gronkowski was the receiver to deliver. He caught three passes to walk the Patriots down the field — including one where he scooped the ball up from his ankles — to set up Dion Lewis’ game-winning touchdown.
He put the cherry on top by catching a two-point conversion on a fade route in the corner of the end zone — pointing and laughing at the Steelers’ defender before spiking the ball to victory.
This performance ranked as Gronkowski’s single-game high mark for receiving yards… and they came in the most dire moments of the contest.
“Yo Soy Fiesta”
January 22, 2012 vs. Baltimore Ravens: 5 receptions, 87 yards
Yes, this moment is technically from a playoff game — as New England defeated the Baltimore Ravens, 23-20, in the AFC Championship Game — but this moment is not from Gronkowski’s five catch, 87-yard performance on the field.
Rather, it was Gronkowski’s post-game locker media availability that stole headlines on this night. During an interview with ESPN Deportes following the Patriots’ win, Gronkowski exclaimed, “¡Yo soy fiesta!”
In English, Gronkowski’s line translates to “I am party.” And he was — and is — indeed. An all-timer from the future Pro Football Hall of Famer.
BONUS! A Gronk-Sized Dent in the Lombardi
Gronkowski’s antics were playful in nature, but as the Lombardi Trophy can attest, they sometimes have lasting ramifications.
Following the Patriots’ Super Bowl LIII victory, Gronkowski, Julian Edelman, and a host of Patriots players and personnel were invited to throw out the first pitch for the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.
During a friendly game in the dugout, Gronkowski used the Lombardi trophy to hit a pitch thrown by Edelman, and left a sizable dent in it.
The dent can still be viewed by fans who visit the trophy at the Patriots Hall of Fame… where Gronkowski will be enshrined later this fall.
Looking Ahead
These are just five of the many moments that made Rob Gronkowski a fan favorite in Foxboro. Although those are in the past, there will soon be at least one more added to the list this fall when Gronkowski is honored as the 38th member of the Patriots Hall of Fame… and soon thereafter, Canton.
What was your favorite moment of Rob Gronkowski’s career? Let us know in the comments section below.
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