Rob Gronkowski (born May 14, 1989) is an American football tight end for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL).
He was drafted by the Patriots in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Arizona.
Gronkowski was raised in Williamsville, New York near Buffalo and attended Williamsville North High School for three years. He played football as a tight end and basketball as a center.
Following high school, Gronkowski attended the University of Arizona. As a true freshman in 2007, Gronkowski recorded 28 receptions for 525 yards and six touchdowns.
Prior to the 2009 season, he was named to the Lombardi Award watchlist for the most outstanding college football lineman or linebacker.
Gronkowski was nominated three times for Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week, in Weeks 10, 14, and 17, losing in Week 10 to Tim Tebow, and winning in Weeks 14 and 17.
