Rob Gronkowski Reacts To ’absolute Honor’ Of Getting Voted Into Patriots Hall Of Fame

Rob Gronkowski received a voicemail on Tuesday night that he will make sure to hold on to. The sender was New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who informed him that he had been voted into the organization’s Hall of Fame as its 38th inductee.

On Wednesday, the team made the decision public. And Gronkowski, from a pontoon boat in Florida, was naturally excited about what he referred to as an “absolute honor.”

“I started tearing up a little bit,” the 36-year-old recalled. “It’s just such a prestigious honor to be inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame, especially as a first ballot. And to do it after so many others have led the way — Tom two years ago, Julian last year, you got the Tedy Bruschis the Willie McGinests — just so many guys that are just so great. And to be in the same category as them, it is just an absolute honor. There’s no doubt about that.”

For Gronkowski, the Hall of Fame induction was an honor 17 years in the making.

The 2010 second-round draft pick quickly became a fan favorite after arriving in New England. Not only was he a unique character especially on a Bill Belichick-coached team, he also was one of the best players in the NFL and a crucial member of the Patriots’ offense.

In total, Gronkowski spent nine seasons with the Patriots and appeared in 115 regular season games, recording 521 receptions for 7,861 yards and 79 touchdowns. He added 81 catches for 1,163 yards and 12 scores in 16 playoff games. One of the most productive and decorated players in franchise history, he won three of his four total Super Bowls during his time in New England — and later added another ring as a Buccaneer in 2020 — and was voted to five Pro Bowls and named All-Pro on four occasions

But while his production stands out and is the basis of his Hall of Fame case, Gronkowski himself hopes to be remembered for more than just being one of the most productive tight ends in NFL history.

“There’s no doubt about it that I want to be viewed as a football player — not even just a tight end or a guy that catches passes, catches touchdowns. I want to be viewed as a football player, the definition of a football player; somebody that puts their body on the line at any given time; somebody that plays the game at full speed on any given play, and makes the big plays in crucial moments when your number is called. That’s the type of guy I want to be remembered as out on the field.”

“That’s how I see myself and how I would like to be viewed on the football field, and also as a solid teammate in the locker room. Because in order to be a good football player, you have to be a good teammate as well. You have to earn the trust of your teammates in order for that ball to be thrown my way to make those big plays, and to show my skills, and to be that football player. In order to get those opportunities, you have to be a good football player and a good teammate. That’s what it’s all about.”

For Gronkowski, however, his legacy extends beyond his contributions to the Patriots on the field and in the locker room. Whether through his participation in charitable events or his ability to overcome personal hardship, he views himself as somebody who can serve as a role model for others.

“Off the field, I learned a lot with the New England Patriots,” he said. “Just a guy that’s doing his best and making mistakes, there’s no doubt about that. But also learning from your mistakes and being the best that you can possibly be, and being reliable for people at any given time that you give their word to them. But you grow as well. A guy that has grown and then when you do get knocked down — and people have seen I got knocked down a couple of times — you can always bounce back; you can always find that grit and strength to bounce back.”