Rob Gronkowski. Four-time Super Bowl Champ. Five-time pro-bowler. All-around badass. Well, just a couple of years ago Rob Gronkowski was not even on a team, he was at his home, chilling. Yes, the tight-end we have all grown to love was retired. After the dismantling of the New England Patriots, Gronkowski decided he was better off just resting at home, enjoying life.
All that changed when his good friend and partner-in-crime, Tom Brady, coaxed Gronkowski out of retirement and persuaded him into coming to the city of sunshine; Tampa Bay. It made perfect sense; after a nasty breakup in New England, Brady took his talents to South Beach (kind of) and wanted his pal to tag along.
Their relationship was built in New England, where the two went for a combined 65 touchdowns, as Gronkowski would reach a career-high of 17 touchdowns during the 2011 season. This would mark a turning point in Gronkowski’s career, as he would finally be recognized as an elite receiver in the league; in just his second NFL season! The duo enjoyed sublime years in New England, capturing three SuperBowls together and becoming the most elusive aerial-threat duo in the NFL.
It seems the good times just keep on rolling, as Gronkowski has enjoyed some great times in Tampa Bay, capturing his fourth Super Bowl ring last year, and catching seven touchdowns in the process. This season Rob Gronkowski has been injured for the most part, but he has still caught four touchdown passes in only three games.
A little-known fact is that Gronkowski might not have been a Buccaneer had he decided not to retire after the 2018 season. The New York native stated in an interview during his retirement that he was actually being shopped around by the New England Patriots, and that the Pats actually had a deal in place with the Lions. Once Gronkowski caught wind of the trade he promptly retired.
Had he not, he might have gone to Detroit, who probably wouldn’t have wanted to trade him to Tampa Bay just a season later. Things could have turned out a whole lot different, but I guess it was written in the stars; Tom and Rob in Tampa Bay, bring a Super Bowl to the city.
What is your favorite Rob Gronkowski moment? Let me know in the comments below!