Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Rob Gronkowski

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 19, 2025

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Rob Gronkowski made an impact.

Rob Gronkowski, nicknamed "Gronk", is a retired American football tight end renowned as one of the greatest ever. He played 11 NFL seasons, nine with the New England Patriots and two with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Gronkowski is a four-time Super Bowl champion, five-time Pro Bowl selection, and four-time first-team All-Pro. His accolades include selections to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team and the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, solidifying his legacy as a dominant force in the sport.

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Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

October 20, 2013: Return to Play Against Jets

On October 20, 2013, Rob Gronkowski was cleared to play against the New York Jets after recovering from back surgery. He recorded three 100-yard receiving games in a six-game stretch after his return.

September 10, 2015: Three Touchdown Performance Against Steelers

On September 10, 2015, during the Patriots' home opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Rob Gronkowski caught five passes for 94 yards, scoring three of the Patriots' four touchdowns in their 28–21 victory.

December 3, 2016: Placed on Injured Reserve

On December 3, 2016, Rob Gronkowski was officially placed on injured reserve after having surgery to repair a herniated disk. He was out for the season.

February 5, 2017: Patriots win Super Bowl LI

On February 5, 2017, Rob Gronkowski was on injured reserve when the Patriots won Super Bowl LI, defeating the Atlanta Falcons 34–28. This earned Gronkowski his second Super Bowl championship.

December 19, 2017: Named to Fifth Pro Bowl

On December 19, 2017, Rob Gronkowski was named to his fifth Pro Bowl, recognizing his performance during the 2017 NFL season.

March 24, 2019: Retirement Announcement

On March 24, 2019, after nine seasons, Rob Gronkowski announced his retirement from the NFL at 29 years old, citing the toll that pain and injuries had taken on his mental health.

April 21, 2020: Agreed to Come Out of Retirement

On April 21, 2020, Rob Gronkowski agreed to come out of retirement. The Patriots traded him to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, reuniting him with Tom Brady. The Buccaneers also received a seventh-round pick while the Patriots received a compensatory fourth round pick in the 2020 NFL draft.