Rob Gronkowski
Rob Gronkowski, often nicknamed "Gronk," is a retired American football tight end renowned for his dominant career in the National Football League (NFL), where he won four Super Bowl championships and established himself as one of the most productive players at his position.[1][2] Born Robert James Gronkowski on May 14, 1989, in Amherst, New York, he grew up in an athletic family; his father, Gordon Gronkowski, played offensive lineman at Syracuse University, and his four brothers also pursued professional sports careers in football and baseball.[3] After a standout high school career at Woodland Hills High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he was rated a four-star recruit, Gronkowski played college football for the University of Arizona Wildcats from 2007 to 2008, recording 75 receptions for 1,197 yards and 16 touchdowns before injuries sidelined him.[2][4] Selected by the New England Patriots in the second round (42nd overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft, Gronkowski quickly became a key target for quarterback Tom Brady, amassing 621 receptions for 9,286 yards and 92 touchdowns over 143 regular-season games across 11 seasons with the Patriots (2010–2018) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2020–2021).[2][1] His physical style of play, combining size (6 feet 6 inches, 265 pounds) with agility, led to five Pro Bowl selections (2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017) and four First-Team All-Pro honors (2011, 2014, 2015, 2017), along with the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award in 2014 after returning from a torn ACL and herniated disc.[2][5] Gronkowski's postseason prowess was exceptional, highlighted by his contributions to four Super Bowl victories: three with the Patriots (XLIX in 2015, LI in 2017, and LIII in 2019) and one with the Buccaneers (LV in 2021), where he recorded 98 playoff receptions for 1,389 yards and 15 touchdowns overall.[1][6] He initially retired in March 2019 after nine seasons with New England, citing physical toll and a desire for a new chapter, but unretired in April 2020 to reunite with Brady in Tampa Bay, helping the Buccaneers win Super Bowl LV before retiring again in June 2022 at age 33, and officially retiring as a Patriot on November 12, 2025, via a one-day contract.[7][5][8] Beyond the field, Gronkowski's exuberant personality—epitomized by his signature "Gronk Spike" touchdown celebration—made him a cultural icon, and since his final retirement, he has transitioned into broadcasting as a football analyst for FOX Sports, becoming a full-time member of FOX NFL Sunday in 2025, while also engaging in philanthropy through the Gronk Nation Foundation, which supports youth health and fitness programs.[9][10][11]Early Life and Education
Childhood and Family Background
Robert James Gronkowski was born on May 14, 1989, in Amherst, New York, the second-youngest of five brothers in a Polish-American family headed by parents Gordon and Diane Gronkowski.[2][12] His father, Gordon, a former offensive lineman at Syracuse University in the 1980s, instilled a strong emphasis on athletics and competition from an early age, co-founding a fitness equipment company that supported the family's active lifestyle.[13][14] The Gronkowski household in the Buffalo suburbs fostered a highly competitive environment, where the brothers—Gordie Jr., Dan, Chris, Rob, and Glenn—engaged in daily physical challenges and sports drills supervised by their father, often resolving disputes through wrestling matches to build toughness and teamwork.[13] This dynamic contributed to all five brothers earning Division I college athletic scholarships, with Dan and Chris later playing briefly in the NFL, and Gordie Jr. pursuing a professional baseball career.[15] The family initially resided in Amherst before relocating within the region to Williamsville, New York, during Gronkowski's early years, maintaining roots in the Buffalo area that shaped his Midwestern work ethic and love for contact sports.[13] From a young age, Gronkowski displayed a natural physicality, beginning with hand-eye coordination exercises using tennis balls at age 4 under his father's coaching, and participating in hockey and baseball to hone agility and endurance.[13] He started organized football in seventh grade around age 12, but his involvement in wrestling alongside his brothers further developed his strength and competitive drive, turning the basement gym built by his father into a daily training hub.[13] These early experiences emphasized not just athletic prowess but also academic discipline, as Gordon required good grades to participate in sports, laying a foundation for Gronkowski's later transition to high school athletics.[13]High School Career
Gronkowski transferred to Woodland Hills High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for his senior year in 2006 following his relocation with his father from the Buffalo area, where he had spent his first three years of high school at Williamsville North; this move occurred as his parents separated, with Rob living with his father while the rest of the family stayed in New York.[16][17] Upon arriving, he encountered significant initial challenges, including being declared ineligible to play by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) due to transfer rules, though his father successfully appealed the decision after a legal battle.[17] Adapting to a new environment and a run-oriented offense that limited passing opportunities, Gronkowski earned a starting role at tight end and defensive end, leveraging his 6-foot-6, 240-pound frame to dominate as a blocker despite the team's struggling 2-8 record.[17] In his lone season at Woodland Hills, Gronkowski recorded 8 receptions for 152 yards, showcasing his versatility with standout plays such as blocking a punt and recovering it for a score, as well as powering through multiple defenders for a touchdown against Fox Chapel High School.[17] His physical development and on-field impact, influenced by a family background steeped in athletics—where his father and four brothers all pursued competitive sports—highlighted his potential as a multisport athlete.[16] Beyond football, he competed in basketball for the Wolverines, contributing his athletic prowess to the team during the 2006-07 season.[18] Gronkowski's high school performances drew widespread attention from college recruiters, resulting in over 65 scholarship offers from prominent programs including Ohio State, Syracuse, Clemson, Notre Dame, and Maryland. He ultimately committed to the University of Arizona in January 2007, selecting the Wildcats over other top contenders due to the appealing campus lifestyle, particularly its renowned pool party scene, as later disclosed by his father in interviews. This decision aligned with Arizona's offensive scheme that promised opportunities for tight ends, spearheaded by assistant coach Tim Kish's persistent recruitment efforts.[19]College Career
University of Arizona
Gronkowski enrolled at the University of Arizona in 2007, choosing the Wildcats over more than 60 scholarship offers from programs including Maryland, where his brother Chris had played, and several other major conferences.[20] As a true freshman that season, he appeared in all 12 games, emerging as a reliable target in the passing game with 28 receptions for 525 yards and six touchdowns, helping Arizona to a 5-7 record amid a rebuilding year under head coach Mike Stoops.[20] In 2008, Gronkowski solidified his role as one of the Pac-10's top tight ends, starting nine of the 10 games he played after missing the first three due to a minor illness. He recorded 47 receptions for 672 yards and a team-leading 10 touchdowns, earning third-team Associated Press All-American honors and first-team All-Pac-10 recognition for his blocking prowess and red-zone dominance.[21][20] His contributions were instrumental in Arizona's improved 8-5 finish, capped by a 31-21 victory over BYU in the Las Vegas Bowl, where he helped the Wildcats snap a three-year bowl drought.[22] Off the field, Gronkowski emphasized physicality in the run game through his blocking.[23] Gronkowski's junior year in 2009 was derailed before it began when he suffered a herniated disk in his lower back during fall camp, requiring surgery to repair nerve damage and forcing him to miss the entire season.[24] The injury, which caused significant pain and limited mobility, led Arizona to grant him a medical redshirt, preserving two years of eligibility.[24] Despite the setback, he remained engaged with the team during their 8-5 campaign, which ended in a 33-0 shutout loss to Nebraska in the Holiday Bowl.[25] Facing ongoing concerns about his back and believing he was physically mature enough for the professional level after two productive seasons totaling 75 receptions, 1,197 yards, and 16 touchdowns, Gronkowski declared for the 2010 NFL Draft on January 15, 2010, forgoing his remaining eligibility to mitigate further injury risks.[24][20] This decision, supported by his family and coaches, reflected his rapid development into a complete tight end capable of contributing immediately in the pros.[24]College Statistics
During his two seasons at the University of Arizona, Rob Gronkowski accumulated 75 receptions for 1,197 yards and 16 touchdowns, averaging 16.0 yards per reception overall.[20] The following table details his receiving statistics by year:| Year | Games Played | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Yards per Reception | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 12 | 28 | 525 | 18.8 | 6 |
| 2008 | 10 | 47 | 672 | 14.3 | 10 |
| Career | 22 | 75 | 1,197 | 16.0 | 16 |
Professional Career
New England Patriots Tenure (2010–2018)
Rob Gronkowski was selected by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft with the 42nd overall pick. He signed a four-year rookie contract worth $4.44 million, including a $1.76 million signing bonus. During his early years with the Patriots from 2010 to 2011, Gronkowski quickly rose to prominence as a dynamic tight end. In his rookie season of 2010, he recorded 42 receptions for 546 yards and 10 touchdowns, tying for the most scores by a rookie tight end in NFL history.[2] His breakout came in 2011, when he set NFL records for a tight end with 90 receptions, 1,327 yards, and 17 touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl selection and First-team All-Pro honors.[2] That season culminated in a Super Bowl XLVI appearance, where the Patriots fell to the New York Giants. Gronkowski's peak performance period spanned 2012 to 2014, marked by elite production and accolades despite setbacks. In 2012, he earned another Pro Bowl nod with 55 receptions for 790 yards and 11 touchdowns.[2] The 2013 season was disrupted by offseason back surgery for a herniated disc in June, limiting him to seven games before a torn ACL and MCL in December sidelined him for the remainder.[28] He made a strong return in 2014, posting 82 receptions for 1,124 yards and 12 touchdowns, securing Pro Bowl and First-team All-Pro honors en route to a Super Bowl XLIX victory over the Seattle Seahawks.[2] From 2015 to 2018, Gronkowski's tenure was increasingly hampered by injuries, though he remained a key contributor to the Patriots' success. In 2015, a knee strain caused him to miss one game, but he still achieved 72 receptions for 1,176 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning Pro Bowl and First-team All-Pro recognition.[29] The 2016 season saw him limited by a hamstring injury that sidelined him for the first two games and a subsequent herniated disc requiring surgery, restricting him to eight games with 25 receptions for 540 yards and three touchdowns; despite missing the regular-season finale and being placed on injured reserve, he received a championship ring for the Patriots' Super Bowl LI victory over the Atlanta Falcons.[29] A thigh bruise in 2017 caused one missed game, yet he posted 69 receptions for 1,084 yards and eight touchdowns, earning another Pro Bowl and First-team All-Pro selection.[2] In 2018, nagging back and ankle issues limited his effectiveness across 14 games, where he recorded 47 receptions for 682 yards and three touchdowns, but he contributed to the Super Bowl LIII triumph over the Los Angeles Rams.[29] Over his nine seasons with the Patriots, Gronkowski amassed 521 receptions for 7,861 yards and 79 touchdowns in 115 games.[2] His exceptional on-field chemistry with quarterback Tom Brady, forged through precise route-running and reliable hands in high-pressure situations, was instrumental in the offense's versatility and the team's three Super Bowl victories during this period.[30]First Retirement (2019)
On March 24, 2019, Rob Gronkowski announced his retirement from the NFL via an Instagram post, ending his nine-season career with the New England Patriots at the age of 29.[31] In the post, he expressed gratitude to team owner Robert Kraft and head coach Bill Belichick for drafting him in 2010, highlighting the championships, relationships, and personal growth he experienced during his tenure.[7] The decision came shortly after the Patriots' Super Bowl LIII victory in February 2019, where Gronkowski had contributed significantly despite ongoing physical challenges.[31] The retirement stemmed from the cumulative physical toll of the sport, including multiple injuries that required surgeries on his back, forearm, and knee, as well as issues with his ankle, hip, and head.[7] Gronkowski later detailed how these ailments, compounded by a quad injury sustained in Super Bowl LIII, left him unable to walk after games and affected his overall mood and mental health.[32] He emphasized a desire to prioritize long-term health and pursue a normal life outside football, free from the constant recovery cycles and mental strain of the professional grind.[33] In the immediate aftermath, the Patriots organization and fans paid tribute to Gronkowski through social media messages and a team-produced video highlighting his contributions, with teammates like Tom Brady and Devin McCourty expressing admiration for his impact on and off the field.[34] Gronkowski shifted his focus to physical recovery, incorporating methods like CBD for pain management, while beginning non-football pursuits such as public appearances, including a USO dinner event shortly after his announcement.[35][36] This period marked his transition toward healing and exploring life beyond the NFL.[37]Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tenure (2020–2021)
After retiring from the NFL following the 2018 season, Rob Gronkowski was motivated by the opportunity to reunite with former quarterback Tom Brady, who had signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers earlier that year, prompting his return to the league. On April 21, 2020, the New England Patriots traded Gronkowski and a seventh-round draft pick to the Buccaneers in exchange for a fourth-round pick, allowing him to join his longtime collaborator in Tampa Bay.[38] The move activated the final year of his existing contract, worth approximately $9 million in base salary.[39] Gronkowski prepared rigorously for his comeback, focusing on conditioning and skill refinement during the offseason amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, which delayed team activities. He reported to training camp in late July 2020, where coaches noted his rapid return to elite form after nearly two years away from competitive play.[40] In the 2020 regular season, Gronkowski appeared in 12 games, recording 45 receptions for 623 yards and 7 touchdowns, serving as a reliable safety valve for Brady in an offense that emphasized downfield passing to wide receivers like Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.[2] His postseason performance elevated the Buccaneers' campaign, culminating in a victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV on February 7, 2021, where he caught 6 passes for 67 yards and 2 touchdowns, contributing significantly to the 31-9 win that secured Tampa Bay's second championship in franchise history. Though not named MVP, Gronkowski's dual-threat presence as both a blocker and receiver was pivotal in protecting Brady and exploiting defensive mismatches.[41] Following the Super Bowl triumph, Gronkowski re-signed with the Buccaneers on March 22, 2021, to a one-year contract valued at $8 million base salary plus up to $2 million in incentives, ensuring continuity in the tight end room alongside Cameron Brate.[42] During the 2021 regular season, he played in 12 games, amassing 55 receptions for 802 yards and 6 touchdowns, which earned him his fifth Pro Bowl selection as he ranked among the league's top tight ends in receiving production.[2][43] In the playoffs, the Buccaneers defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card round before falling to the Los Angeles Rams 30-27 in the Divisional Round, with Gronkowski contributing 9 catches for 116 yards and 1 touchdown across the two games. Throughout his Buccaneers tenure, Gronkowski played a central role in Brady's offense, leveraging their nine-year chemistry from New England to execute complex route combinations and red-zone opportunities that stretched defenses. His veteran presence helped stabilize the unit during transitional moments, such as integrating new offensive linemen, while his blocking prowess supported the run game led by Leonard Fournette.[44] Gronkowski also provided informal guidance to younger teammates, drawing on his experience to foster team cohesion in a high-expectations environment.[45]Second Retirement and Legacy Gesture (2022–2025)
On June 21, 2022, Rob Gronkowski announced his second retirement from the NFL via an Instagram post, confirming he would not return to play after the 2021 season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.[46][47] Over his 11-season career, he amassed 621 receptions for 9,286 yards and 92 touchdowns.[2] Gronkowski cited the physical toll of accumulated injuries as a primary factor, noting that the demanding lifestyle had worn him down after years of battling through pain, alongside a desire to prioritize family and personal well-being.[5][48] In his emotional statement, he expressed gratitude for his time in the league, stating he was walking away "with my head held high knowing I gave it everything I had."[49] In August 2025, at the grand opening of the Gronk Playground in Boston, Gronkowski revealed plans for a ceremonial one-day contract with the New England Patriots to officially retire as a member of the team that drafted him in 2010. The signing took place on November 12, 2025, approved by Patriots owner Robert Kraft, and served as a symbolic gesture to honor his nine seasons with the franchise while fulfilling a wish of his late friend Susan Hurley through a $1.8 million donation to the community. Gronkowski emphasized his deep connection to New England and the opportunity to end his NFL journey where it began.[50][51] In post-retirement interviews, Gronkowski reflected on his career with satisfaction, highlighting the joy of winning four Super Bowls and the challenges of transitioning to life off the field.[52] He discussed embracing new ventures in media, business, and philanthropy, while crediting football for shaping his competitive spirit and relationships.[53] By 2025, he expressed contentment in retirement, focusing on recreating the camaraderie of his playing days through community projects and entertainment pursuits.[54]NFL Career Statistics
Regular Season
Rob Gronkowski's regular-season career in the NFL spanned 11 seasons from 2010 to 2021, during which he established himself as one of the league's most productive tight ends, amassing significant receiving production despite recurring injuries that limited his availability in several years.[2] Playing primarily for the New England Patriots from 2010 to 2018 and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2020 to 2021, Gronkowski's performance was characterized by high-volume targets, efficient yards per reception, and a touchdown threat in the red zone.[2]Career Totals
Gronkowski appeared in 143 regular-season games, recording 621 receptions for 9,286 yards, averaging 15.0 yards per reception, with a longest reception of 76 yards and 92 touchdowns; he also contributed to 461 first downs through receiving.[2]| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Games Played (GP) | 143 |
| Receptions (REC) | 621 |
| Receiving Yards (YDS) | 9,286 |
| Yards per Reception (Y/R) | 15.0 |
| Longest Reception (LG) | 76 |
| Touchdowns (TD) | 92 |
| First Downs | 461 |
Year-by-Year Statistics
Gronkowski's production varied by season and team, with standout years including 2011, when he led the NFL in tight end receiving yards and touchdowns while with the Patriots.[2] His 2019 season was missed due to retirement, and he returned in 2020 with the Buccaneers for a resurgence.[2]| Season | Team | GP | REC | YDS | Y/R | LG | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | NWE | 16 | 42 | 546 | 13.0 | 28 | 10 |
| 2011 | NWE | 16 | 90 | 1,327 | 14.7 | 52 | 17 |
| 2012 | NWE | 11 | 55 | 790 | 14.4 | 41 | 11 |
| 2013 | NWE | 7 | 39 | 592 | 15.2 | 50 | 4 |
| 2014 | NWE | 15 | 82 | 1,124 | 13.7 | 46 | 12 |
| 2015 | NWE | 15 | 72 | 1,176 | 16.3 | 76 | 11 |
| 2016 | NWE | 8 | 25 | 540 | 21.6 | 53 | 3 |
| 2017 | NWE | 14 | 69 | 1,084 | 15.7 | 53 | 8 |
| 2018 | NWE | 13 | 47 | 682 | 14.5 | 42 | 3 |
| 2020 | TAM | 16 | 45 | 623 | 13.8 | 48 | 7 |
| 2021 | TAM | 12 | 55 | 802 | 14.6 | 42 | 6 |
Postseason
Rob Gronkowski's postseason career spanned 22 games across 11 playoff appearances with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he recorded 98 receptions for 1,389 yards and 15 touchdowns, averaging 14.2 yards per reception and 63.1 yards per game.[2][55] These figures underscored his reputation as a dominant tight end in high-stakes games, often delivering critical plays that advanced his teams deep into the playoffs.[4] His playoff production highlighted his physicality and reliability in contested catches, contributing to four Super Bowl victories. Gronkowski appeared in five Super Bowls, winning four, and established himself as one of the most productive tight ends in NFL postseason history with the second-most receiving touchdowns (15) among players at his position.[56] In Super Bowl XLIX, he caught six passes for 68 yards and one touchdown to help the Patriots defeat the Seattle Seahawks 28-24.[57] During Super Bowl LI, his eight receptions for 114 yards and two touchdowns were pivotal in New England's 34-28 comeback victory over the Atlanta Falcons.[58] In Super Bowl LII, despite the 41-33 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Gronkowski tallied nine catches for 116 yards and two scores.[59] He followed with six receptions for 87 yards in the Super Bowl LIII win against the Los Angeles Rams, 13-3.[60] Finally, in Super Bowl LV, Gronkowski's six catches for 67 yards and two touchdowns aided the Buccaneers' 31-9 triumph over the [Kansas City Chiefs](/page/Kansas_City Chiefs).[61] One of Gronkowski's defining clutch performances came in the 2014 AFC Championship Game against the Indianapolis Colts, where he hauled in six passes for 81 yards and one touchdown, helping secure a 45-7 rout that propelled the Patriots to the Super Bowl.[62] Such moments exemplified his ability to elevate his game under pressure, with multiple playoff outings featuring double-digit targets and significant yardage gains that shifted momentum.| Game | Date | Opponent | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Super Bowl XLIX | Feb 1, 2015 | Seattle Seahawks | 6 | 68 | 1 |
| Super Bowl LI | Feb 5, 2017 | Atlanta Falcons | 8 | 114 | 2 |
| Super Bowl LII | Feb 4, 2018 | Philadelphia Eagles | 9 | 116 | 2 |
| Super Bowl LIII | Feb 3, 2019 | Los Angeles Rams | 6 | 87 | 0 |
| 2014 AFC Championship | Jan 18, 2015 | Indianapolis Colts | 6 | 81 | 1 |
| Super Bowl LV | Feb 7, 2021 | [Kansas City Chiefs](/page/Kansas_City_ Chiefs) | 6 | 67 | 2 |
Records
NFL Records
Rob Gronkowski holds several NFL records as a tight end, particularly in touchdown production and postseason performance. In 2011, during his second professional season, he set the single-season mark for receiving touchdowns by a tight end with 17, surpassing the previous record of 13 held by players like Alvis Whitted and Ben Coates; this also made him the first tight end to lead the league in receiving touchdowns.[63][64] He achieved this while recording 90 receptions for 1,327 yards, which ranked as the second-highest single-season receiving yardage total by a tight end at the time, behind only his own performance relative to contemporaries.[65] Gronkowski's postseason prowess further cemented his record-holding status. He shares the NFL record for most touchdown receptions by a tight end in a single playoff game with three, accomplished on January 14, 2012, against the Denver Broncos in the AFC Divisional Round.[66] Over his career, he amassed 15 playoff receiving touchdowns, the second-most all-time among tight ends behind Travis Kelce's 20 as of November 2025.[2][67] Additionally, Gronkowski holds the record for most receiving touchdowns by a tight end in Super Bowl history with five across five appearances (one in Super Bowl XLVI, two in Super Bowl LI, and two in Super Bowl LV).[68][69] In terms of efficiency and milestones, Gronkowski reached 50 career receiving touchdowns faster than any other tight end in NFL history, doing so in just 59 games during the 2014 season at age 25.[70] He also owns the record for most games with multiple touchdown receptions by a tight end (20) and had 32 regular-season 100-yard receiving games (a record at the time of his retirement, later surpassed by Travis Kelce's 38 as of 2025), underscoring his consistent dominance as a red-zone threat.[64][71][72]| Record | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Most receiving TDs in a season by a TE | 17 (2011) | NFL.com |
| First TE to lead NFL in receiving TDs | 2011 season | NBCSportsBoston.com |
| Most TD receptions in a playoff game by a TE (tied) | 3 (Jan. 14, 2012 vs. Denver) | ESPN.com |
| Most receiving TDs in Super Bowls by a TE | 5 (across 5 games) | StatMuse.com |
| Fastest to 50 receiving TDs by a TE | 59 games (2014, age 25) | BleacherReport.com |
| Most multi-TD games by a TE | 20 | StatMuse.com |
| 100-yard games by a TE (regular season) | 32 (record at retirement; surpassed by Kelce's 38 as of 2025) | NBCSportsBoston.com StatMuse.com |
New England Patriots Franchise Records
During his tenure with the New England Patriots from 2010 to 2018, Rob Gronkowski established himself as the franchise's all-time leading tight end in several key receiving categories, surpassing previous benchmarks set by predecessors like Ben Coates. His career totals with the team include 521 receptions for 7,861 yards and 79 touchdowns, all of which remain Patriots records for a tight end.[2] These figures underscore his dominance as a receiving threat, particularly in the red zone, where his physicality and route-running precision revolutionized the position within the Patriots' offense. In single-season performance, Gronkowski set the franchise mark for most touchdown receptions by a tight end with 17 in 2011, a total that also stood as the NFL record for the position at the time and highlighted his role in the Patriots' high-powered attack led by quarterback Tom Brady.[73] That year, he amassed 90 receptions for 1,327 yards, further cementing his impact, though the touchdown mark specifically eclipsed prior highs like his own rookie-season total of 10.[2] His ability to convert short passes into scores was pivotal, contributing to the team's progression deep into the playoffs.[63] Gronkowski's postseason prowess amplified his legacy within the Patriots organization, where he holds the franchise record for most touchdown receptions by a tight end with 12 across 16 playoff games.[66] He also recorded 81 receptions for 1,163 yards in those contests, establishing the team mark for playoff receptions by a tight end and demonstrating his reliability in high-stakes environments.[63] Notably, in Super Bowls, Gronkowski tallied 23 receptions over four appearances (XLVI, XLIX, LI, and LIII), the most by any Patriots tight end, with standout efforts including nine catches for 116 yards and two touchdowns in Super Bowl LIII.[2] Beyond aggregate stats, Gronkowski owns the Patriots franchise record for most games with 100 or more receiving yards by a tight end, achieving this feat 18 times during his career with the team.[64] These performances, often against elite defenses, exemplified his consistency and big-play capability, with examples including 145 yards on 10 receptions in a 2011 divisional playoff win over the Denver Broncos.[74] His records reflect not only statistical excellence but also his integral role in three Super Bowl victories for the franchise.[75]| Category | Record | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Career Receptions (TE) | 521 | Surpassed Ben Coates' 343 (1991–1999) |
| Career Receiving Yards (TE) | 7,861 | Surpassed Ben Coates' 3,799 (1991–1999) |
| Career Touchdown Receptions (TE) | 79 | Surpassed Ben Coates' 36 (1991–1999) |
| Single-Season TD Receptions (TE) | 17 (2011) | Previous high: 10 (Gronkowski, 2010) |
| Postseason TD Receptions (TE) | 12 | In 16 games (2010–2018) |
| Super Bowl Receptions (TE) | 23 | Across 4 games (2011, 2014, 2016, 2018) |
| Games with 100+ Yards (TE) | 18 | Career with Patriots |