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 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

2001: Manumaleuna record

Brandon Manumaleuna set a record of highest drafted tight end out of Arizona, which Gronkowski broke in 2010.

2006: Last Tight End Rushing Touchdown

In 2011, Gronkowski scored a rushing touchdown on a lateral pass, marking the first such touchdown by a tight end since Bo Scaife in 2006.

2008: College Football Season

In 2008, Gronkowski recorded 47 receptions for 672 yards and ten touchdowns for Arizona Wildcats and set school records for a tight end. He was named an Associated Press third-team All-American and All-Pac-10 first-team tight end.

2008: All-American Honors

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

2010: NFL All-Rookie Team

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

2011: Breaks NFL Record

In 2011, Gronkowski broke the NFL record for tight end receiving yards (1,327), and total touchdowns (18). He also received his first AFC Offensive Player of the Week award.

2011: Pro Bowl Nomination

In 2011, Gronkowski finished fifth in fan balloting at tight end for the Pro Bowl.

2011: Most Receiving Touchdowns

In 2011, Gronkowski set an NFL record by becoming the first tight end to lead the league in receiving touchdowns with 17.

2012: Pro Bowl Selection

In 2012, Gronkowski was voted the starting tight end for the AFC at the Pro Bowl and named to 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, marking his return after surgeries. He subsequently recorded three 100-yard receiving games in a six-game stretch.

2013: NFL Top 100 Players of 2013

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

2014: Pro Bowl and All-Pro Nominations

In 2014, Rob Gronkowski earned his third Pro Bowl nomination and his second First Team All-Pro nomination. His All-Pro nomination was unanimous. He finished the season with 82 receptions for 1,124 receiving yards and 12 receiving touchdowns, helping the Patriots finish with a 12-4 record and win the AFC East.

2015: Comeback Player of the Year

At the 2015 ESPY Awards, Rob Gronkowski won the Comeback Player of the Year award for his performance in the 2014 season. He was also ranked 10th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players list.

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: Pro Bowl and All-Pro Selection

In 2016, Rob Gronkowski was selected to the Pro Bowl and the AP All-Pro first team for the fourth time in his career. He led all non-quarterbacks in fan voting for the Pro Bowl and received 48 of 50 All-Pro votes at tight end. He was also ranked as the ninth-best player on the NFL Top 100 Players list.

February 5, 2017: Super Bowl LI Win

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: Fifth Pro Bowl Selection

On December 19, 2017, Rob Gronkowski was named to his fifth Pro Bowl.

2017: Return from Injury and Continued Success

In 2017, Rob Gronkowski started the season healthy. Although he suffered a groin injury in Week 2, he did not miss further games. He continued to be a key player, breaking the franchise record for multiple touchdown games and earning his fifth Pro Bowl nomination.

January 2018: All-Pro First Team Selection

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

March 26, 2019: Merit Award from United Service Organizations

On March 26, 2019, Gronkowski accepted the Merit Award from the United Service Organizations for his dedication to serving others through volunteerism.

April 6, 2019: Wish Hero Award

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.