Rob Gronkowski's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Rob Gronkowski.

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. He earned spots on 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

2008: Earned All-American honors

In 2008, Gronkowski earned third-team All-American honors as a sophomore while playing college football for the Arizona Wildcats.

2008: Set school records at Arizona

In 2008, Gronkowski recorded 47 receptions for 672 yards and 10 touchdowns, setting school records for a tight end in single-game, single-season, and career receptions, yards, and touchdowns at Arizona.

2009: Recovered from back surgery

Despite missing his entire 2009 college season due to back surgery, Gronkowski played in every game of the season.

2010: Named to the NFL All-Rookie Team

In 2010, Gronkowski was named to the NFL All-Rookie Team.

2010: Surpassed reception and yardage totals

In only eight games, Gronkowski passed his reception and yardage totals from 2010.

2011: Broke records

In 2011, Gronkowski broke the NFL record for tight end receiving yards with 1,327 yards and finished with 18 total touchdowns, 17 receiving.

2011: Pro Bowl Nomination

In 2011, Gronkowski finished fifth in fan balloting at tight end for the Pro Bowl, and fourth overall among rookies.

2011: Led the league in receiving touchdowns

In 2011, Gronkowski led the NFL in receiving touchdowns with 17, becoming the first tight end to achieve this.

2012: Voted to Pro Bowl

In 2012, Gronkowski was voted the starting tight end for the AFC at the Pro Bowl and was voted tight end for the AP All-Pro first team.

October 20, 2013: Return to Play

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

2013: Named in NFL Top 100

In 2013, Gronkowski was ranked 25th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players.

September 10, 2015: Three Touchdown Performance Against Steelers

On September 10, 2015, in the Patriots' home opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Rob Gronkowski caught five passes for 94 yards and three touchdowns. This performance marked the third time in his career that he scored three touchdowns in a single game.

2016: Ron Burton Community Service Award

In 2016, Gronkowski received the Ron Burton Community Service Award from the New England Patriots for his charitable works and leadership in the local community.

2016: Cover of Madden NFL 17

In 2016, Gronkowski was featured on the cover of the video sports game Madden NFL 17 published by EA Sports for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One and Xbox 360. The cover featured the tight end in his signature touchdown celebration, the "Gronk Spike".

February 5, 2017: Super Bowl LI Victory

On February 5, 2017, the Patriots won Super Bowl LI against the Atlanta Falcons with a score of 34-28, earning Rob Gronkowski his second Super Bowl championship. Although Gronkowski was on injured reserve at the time, he was still part of the team.

December 19, 2017: Named to Fifth Pro Bowl

On December 19, 2017, Rob Gronkowski was named to his fifth Pro Bowl. This recognition came after a season where he recorded 69 receptions for 1,084 yards, leading all tight ends in receiving yards.

January 2018: Named to Associated Press' All-Pro First Team

In January 2018, Rob Gronkowski was named to the Associated Press' All-Pro First Team, earning him a $2.5 million incentive that was added to his contract during the 2017 offseason.

March 26, 2019: Acceptance of the Merit Award from USO

On March 26, 2019, Gronkowski accepted the Merit Award from the United Service Organizations, recognizing individuals dedicated to serving others through volunteerism.

April 6, 2019: Wish Hero Award from Make-A-Wish Foundation

On April 6, 2019, Gronkowski was honored with the Wish Hero Award by the Make-A-Wish Foundation for granting 14 wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses during his professional football career.

2019: Inclusion in ESPN's "World Fame 100" list

In 2019, Gronkowski was included in ESPN's "World Fame 100" list of most famous athletes in the world. The outlet estimated his endorsement income for the past year alone was $8 million.