On 23rd April in the 2010 NFL draft, the New England Patriots selected Robert James Gronkowski, tight end from Arizona.
Round 2, pick number 142 saw the Pats take 6 foot 6, 264 lbs of sheer physical football player… with a large side order of crazy too.
The Gronkowski on stage draft celebrations are well known, as is the story of how Gronk’s pre-draft visit went with the New England coaches. Not so spoiler alert – He fell asleep on the floor of the meeting room.
For nine seasons, Gronk sacrificed his huge body for the NEP, creating multiple memorable moments and plays, smashing records and making history, in particular, becoming the first of his player position to lead the league in receiving touchdowns with 17 in 2011.
Following a retirement threat in 2018 if Bill Belichick traded him to the Detroit Lions, on 24th March 2019, at just 29 years old Rob Gronkowski retired… for a little while.
I should add here the two year story of his un-retirement to play with Tom Brady in Tampa Bay and them winning a Super Bowl together… but let’s not bother with that now, this is a Patriots site after all.
The 12th November 2025 saw Gronk sign a one day ceremonial contract to finally, officially retire a Patriot.
Sixteen years (and about a week) on 29th April 2026 the New England Patriot fans voted that same one Robert Gronkowski into the Patriots Hall of Fame. The GOAT of tight ends is getting his red jacket.
In his career as a Patriot in Foxborough, this hunk of tight endage racked up 521 receptions, 7861 yards, and 79 touch downs, securing 3 Super Bowl rings in his nine year tenure.
That particular tight end was the reason that this particular New England Patriots fan from (old) England fell in love with American Football. He was the catalyst for an adoration that could not be denied, and I wondered where it had been all my life!
And so, on a currently undisclosed date, Patriots Nation can celebrate Gronk once more as he is immortalised in yet one more way, with a red jacket in the Patriots Hall of Fame… exactly as he should be.
Go Pats!