“Welcome Back”

In 2010, Rob Gronkowski was drafted in the second round with the 42nd overall pick by the New England Patriots. He had an immediate impact on the New England offense. Your quarterback must be able to trust you in order to get you the football. From 2010-2018, the duo of Tom Brady and Gronk became the best quarterback-receiver tandem in the NFL. After the 2018 season, Gronk announced his retirement. The rumor swirled around that he’d be back. The rumor was true. He is back! The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have acquired the superstar tight end from the New England Patriots.

When number 87 is healthy, he’s such a dominant force at the position. Off the field, he’s the fun-loving guy with the outgoing personality. On the field, he’s a different breed. At 6’6, he’s a nightmare for any defense to prepare for. Gronk does things that wide receivers do. I’ve seen him flanked wide on the perimeter as a receiver then burst up the field from the slot to get open. Of course, he does the things that tight ends do. He’s the safety valve every quarterback needs in his life. Then, he does what offensive linemen do. He’s a phenomenal blocker which I feel sets him apart from many others playing the position. I’ve seen him lined up as an additional offensive tackle and he’ll block the defense’s best pass rusher. The little things are what make him an all-time great. He puts in the work.

It was already a splash when Tom announced he was going to be signing with Tampa Bay. The weapons he has on paper now are far and beyond better than what he had in New England in 2019. Two 1,000 receivers (Mike Evans and Chris Godwin) and now, he has his buddy back.