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 played 11 seasons, nine with the New England Patriots and two with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Gronkowski is a four-time Super Bowl champion, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, and a four-time first-team All-Pro. His accolades also include being named 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.

Sections (5)

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

2009: Missed College Season Due to Surgery

In 2009, Gronkowski missed his entire college season due to back surgery. Despite this, he did not miss a single game or practice in his first NFL season in 2010.

2012: Left Forearm Injury

In 2012, Rob Gronkowski broke his left forearm late in the fourth quarter against the Indianapolis Colts. He re-injured his arm in the playoffs against the Houston Texans, requiring another operation and causing him to miss the remainder of the playoffs.

February 2013: Diagnosis of Forearm Infection

In February 2013, Rob Gronkowski was diagnosed with an infection in his forearm, leading to his third open procedure on the arm. He was subsequently placed on antibiotics.

May 20, 2013: Fourth Forearm Surgery

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

June 18, 2013: Back Surgery

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

December 8, 2013: Right Knee Injury

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

November 29, 2015: Right Knee Injury Against Broncos

On November 29, 2015, during the Patriots' first loss of the season against the Denver Broncos, Rob Gronkowski was carted off the field after sustaining a right knee injury in the fourth quarter. Initial reports indicated the injury was less serious than it appeared.

December 3, 2016: Placed on Injured Reserve

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

2017: Groin injury and franchise record

In 2017, Rob Gronkowski injured his groin during a Week 2 victory over the New Orleans Saints, but did not miss any further games due to the injury. By Week 4 he was occupying his familiar role as the team leader in receptions and receiving yardage. In Week 12, against the Miami Dolphins, Gronkowski caught his 16th multiple touchdown game, which broke the franchise record previously held by Randy Moss.

January 21, 2018: Concussion in AFC Championship Game

On January 21, 2018, Rob Gronkowski suffered a concussion on a 21-yard reception during the AFC Championship Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars and did not return to the game. He was later cleared from the concussion protocol just in time for Super Bowl LII.

March 24, 2019: Retirement Announcement

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

2021: Problematic Health Season

In 2021, Gronkowski faced health challenges, including multiple rib fractures and a punctured lung during a Week 3 game against the Los Angeles Rams, causing him to miss seven weeks. He finished the 2021 season with 55 receptions for 802 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns.