Rob Gronkowski’s Patriots Hall of Fame Moment Celebrates a Singular Career

Gronkowski’s Patriots Hall of Fame induction will celebrate both his exuberant personality and his impact on the field. He played nine seasons for New England from 2010 to 2018, then returned to the NFL for two seasons with Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after a year away from football.

Among the plays that defined his Patriots career was a 29-yard catch in Super Bowl LIII. With three defenders converging in the fourth quarter’s middle stretch, he brought in a Brady pass to set up the game’s only touchdown. It was his final catch as a Patriot and his 602nd for the team, including postseason games.

Other standout moments included a one-handed catch against Denver in 2014 while his left arm was in a cast and brace, and a touchdown run through several Indianapolis defenders that same season. In the 2015 AFC Championship game, he caught a 40-yard pass on fourth-and-10 before adding a late touchdown reception as New England tried to rally.

Gronkowski also became known for his physicality. In a 2011 game against Washington, he broke free from two defenders after catching a short pass and ran to the 10-yard line. Against Indianapolis in 2014, he delivered a forceful block on defensive back Sergio Brown during a running play.

Starting next year, he can be considered for enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The induction in New England recognizes a player celebrated for his combination of size, athletic ability and toughness, as well as the joy he brought to the game.