Early Life and Education of Rob Gronkowski: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Rob Gronkowski, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

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

1924: Great-Grandfather at the Olympics

In 1924, Ignatius Gronkowski, Rob's great-grandfather, represented the United States in cycling at the Summer Olympics in Paris, France. He also held five world records in the sport.

1977: Gordon Gronkowski Played College Football

From 1977 to 1981, Gordon Gronkowski, Rob's father, played college football guard for Syracuse University before founding a fitness equipment business.

1981: Gordon Gronkowski Played College Football

From 1977 to 1981, Gordon Gronkowski, Rob's father, played college football guard for Syracuse University before founding a fitness equipment business.

May 14, 1989: Rob Gronkowski's Birth

On May 14, 1989, Robert James Gronkowski, nicknamed "Gronk", was born. He later became a professional football tight end who played in the NFL for 11 seasons, playing for the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Others born on this day/year

2006: Moved to Suburban Pittsburgh

In 2006, Rob Gronkowski moved to suburban Pittsburgh for his senior year at Woodland Hills High School. Initially ruled ineligible, he later played, recording eight receptions for 152 yards and four touchdowns.

2007: Graduated from Woodland Hills High School

In 2007, Rob Gronkowski graduated from Woodland Hills High School with a 3.75 GPA and a 1560 SAT score. He was heavily recruited by multiple universities.

2007: Freshman Year at the University of Arizona

In 2007, as a freshman at the University of Arizona, Rob Gronkowski recorded 28 receptions for 525 yards and six touchdowns. He was named a freshman All-American by The Sporting News and Rivals.com.

2008: Parents' Divorce

In 2008, Rob Gronkowski's parents, Gordon Gronkowski and Diane Walters, divorced. This happened during his sophomore year at the University of Arizona.

2008: All-American Honors

In 2008, while playing college football for the Arizona Wildcats, Gronkowski earned third-team All-American honors as a sophomore. His performance included setting team records for his position with an 18.8 yards per reception average and 1,197 receiving yards in only two collegiate seasons.

2009: Played for the Arizona Wildcats

From 2007 to 2009, Rob Gronkowski played for the Arizona Wildcats football team under head coach Mike Stoops. He excelled as a tight end during his time with the team.

2012: Queen's Guard Imitation

In 2012, Gronkowski imitated a Queen's Guard before a touchdown celebration at Wembley Stadium in the United Kingdom.

2012: "Yo soy fiesta!"

In 2012, during an on-air interview with ESPN Deportes after an AFC Championship win, Gronkowski responded in Spanish answering, "¡Yo soy fiesta!" which translates to "I am party!".

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.

December 2014: Publication of "A Gronking To Remember"

In December 2014, an erotica novel inspired by Gronkowski called "A Gronking To Remember", written by Lacey Noonan, was published.

A Gronking to Remember: Book One in the Rob Gronkowski Erotica Series

Check it on Amazon

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.

2015: Start of Gronk Fitness

In 2015, Rob Gronkowski and his four brothers started Gronk Fitness, a business selling Gronk-branded gym equipment and partnering with fitness companies.

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: Cameo at WrestleMania 33

In 2017, Gronkowski made a cameo appearance during the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 33 to help his friend Mojo Rawley.

2017: Partnership with Tide for PSA

In 2017, Rob Gronkowski partnered with Tide for a public service announcement discouraging children and teens from eating the laundry detergent pods after a viral internet challenge.

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.

July 2018: Joined Discovery Channel's Shark Week

In July 2018, Rob Gronkowski joined Discovery Channel's Shark Week and helped tag endangered tiger sharks in The Bahamas.

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August 2019: Advocacy for CBD Oil Use

In August 2019, Gronkowski credited cannabidiol (CBD) oil for making him pain-free and advocated for sports governing bodies to allow players to use it for pain management.

April 2020: Starred in "I'll Wait" Music Video

In April 2020, Gronkowski and his partner Camille Kostek starred in the music video of "I'll Wait" by Kygo.

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October 2020: Rhino Named "Gronk"

In October 2020, ZooTampa at Lowry Park named their newly born greater one-horned rhino "Gronk" to celebrate Gronkowski joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.