Challenges in the Life of Rob Gronkowski in a Detailed Timeline

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Rob Gronkowski. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Rob Gronkowski, nicknamed "Gronk", is a retired American football tight end renowned as one of the greatest in NFL history. He spent nine seasons with the New England Patriots and two with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, securing four Super Bowl championships. A five-time Pro Bowl selection and four-time first-team All-Pro, Gronkowski was also named to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team and the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, solidifying his legacy as a dominant and impactful player.

Sections (5)

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

2009: Missed Junior Season Due to Surgery

Despite missing his entire 2009 college season following back surgery, Gronkowski did not miss a single game or practice all season.

2012: Injured Left Forearm

In 2012, Gronkowski broke his left forearm late in the fourth quarter against the Indianapolis Colts during an extra point, and re-injured it in the first quarter of the Patriots' playoff game against the Houston Texans, requiring another operation and missing the remainder of the playoffs.

February 2013: Forearm Infection Diagnosis

In February 2013, Rob Gronkowski was diagnosed with an infection in his forearm, leading to his third procedure on the forearm and a course of antibiotics.

May 20, 2013: Fourth Forearm Surgery

On May 20, 2013, Rob Gronkowski underwent a fourth surgery on his forearm to replace implanted hardware and perform tissue biopsies. Doctors were optimistic the infection had been resolved.

June 18, 2013: Back Surgery

On June 18, 2013, Rob Gronkowski underwent back surgery to address an injury.

December 8, 2013: Knee Injury

On December 8, 2013, Rob Gronkowski suffered a right knee injury, tearing his ACL and MCL, during a game against the Cleveland Browns due to a hit from safety T. J. Ward, prematurely ending his 2013 season.

November 29, 2015: Knee Injury Against Broncos

On November 29, 2015, during a game against the Denver Broncos, Rob Gronkowski sustained a right knee injury in the fourth quarter and had to be carted off the field.

December 3, 2016: Placed on Injured Reserve

On December 3, 2016, Rob Gronkowski was officially placed on injured reserve after undergoing surgery to repair a herniated disk sustained in a Week 12 game against the New York Jets, ending his season.

January 21, 2018: Concussion in AFC Championship Game

On January 21, 2018, Rob Gronkowski suffered a concussion during the AFC Championship Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars and was placed in concussion protocol.

March 24, 2019: Retirement Announcement

On March 24, 2019, Rob Gronkowski announced his retirement from the NFL after nine seasons, citing the toll of pain and injuries on his mental health.

2021: Injury-Plagued Season and Touchdowns

During the 2021 season, Gronkowski experienced health challenges, including multiple rib fractures and a punctured lung in Week 3, which sidelined him for seven weeks. Despite this, he achieved milestones such as a 100+ yard receiving game in Week 12. He finished the 2021 season with 55 receptions, 802 receiving yards, and six receiving touchdowns.