“Yo soy fiesta!”
Seven years ago, the New England Patriots defeated the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game. After the game, Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski was interviewed by ESPN Deportes, the Spanish-speaking version of ESPN.
The bilingual reporter proceeded to ask several questions to the tight end who was confused with each statement. When asked if he would celebrate the victory, he simply uttered, “Yo Soy Fiesta” translating to, “ I am party.”
Sure, the Gronkowski family is famously known for partying. Rob is the life of the party and his happy-go-lucky nonchalant attitude is what makes him likable across the league. While his off the field antics may be overlooked by his head coach, Bill Belichick, it’s his on-field productivity that truly shines through.
It goes without saying that Rob Gronkowski will be considered one of the best tight ends to play the position in the NFL. His ability to block, run routes and catch passes is unprecedented. To have a position player who understands the field, situational football and still is able to create nightmare matchups for the opposing team helps him stand out. So how did he become known as one of the best to play the game? We have to scroll back to 2010, the year he was drafted.
Early Career Accomplishments
Coach Bill Belichick saw what he needed for the Patriots during the second round of the draft when he selected Gronkowski 42nd overall. His rookie season skyrocketed as he began to separate himself from the group of tight ends around the NFL. Gaining Tom Brady’s trust is not an easy task, but Gronkowski quickly found himself catching multiple passes from the quarterback. During a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he was the recipient of three touchdown passes. His ability to create separation from other defenders earned him three nominations for ‘Rookie of the Week’.
Following his stellar rookie season, Rob Gronkowski continued his success as a tight end. Breaking the record for most touchdowns scored in a single season by a tight end with 14 was an impressive accolade of his highlighted sophomore year. Gronk ended 2011 with 18 total touchdowns, 1,327 receiving yards and the number one vote for starting tight end in the Pro Bowl.
While his output for the Patriots was significant, he wasn’t able to escape without injuries. Strained ligaments in his ankle, a broken forearm and repeated surgeries to the same forearm caused him to miss playing time over the next few seasons. In 2013, he underwent back surgery the summer before the season started. Cleared to play in October of that same year, Gronkowski continued to be a playmaker for the Patriots. However, his season was cut short when a hit to his knee tore his ACL and MCL.
Playing through injuries and setbacks
After coming back from successful surgeries, Gronkowski was slowly worked back into the New England playbook. He caught several passes over time and began his campaign to full strength. That season was a successful one for the Patriots as the tight end was able to play in Super Bowl XLIX against the Seattle Seahawks. His touchdown in the second quarter along with six catches for 68 yards helped propel New England to their fourth Super Bowl ring. This was the Patriots first Super Bowl win in 10 years and Gronkowski’s first ring.
During the 2015 season with New England, Gronkowski’s production was still climbing. He had yet another three touchdowns in one game performance. The months of September and October were steady for the tight end as his blocking and pass catching ability kept allowing the Patriots to win. However, this streak would soon be cut short again as another injury-riddled Gronkowski.
He was able to bounce back quickly and continue the quest for returning to another Super Bowl. Even though the Patriots were able to return to the AFC Championship Game, their season ended that evening with a loss to the Denver Broncos.
Although the heart, determination, and grit that Gronk shows each season seems to make other teams believe that he is capable of everything, the real world comes and tugs at you a bit. His 2016 season with the Patriots was a roller coaster of injury after injury. Each time it seemed like he was back on the healing path, another hit or tackle would push him ten steps backward. A pulmonary contusion followed by back surgery as a result of a herniated disk was the end of a season for the tight end. He was officially placed on injured reserve after hauling in three touchdowns and 25 receptions for 540 yards. That season, he was able to watch the Super Bowl on the sidelines with his brotherhood as they won their second Super Bowl title in three years.
Following that season, Gronkowski played well despite a few minor setbacks. He was able to record 69 receptions, 1,084 yards, and eight touchdowns. This time, however, his playing style looked a bit different. Instead of the confident and blazing speed of years past, his laborious rhythm made Tom Brady seem like one of the fastest men on the field. The constant years of injuries with his hard and fast method of playing were catching up with him. It seemed like he was ready to give his body some much-needed rest. For an NFL player still in his 20’s, the battle of playing time vs enjoying life weighs heavily on his mind.
Is this the end of Brady to Gronk?
When we think about Rob Gronkowski and who is as a player, there is a lot to dissect. His uncanny ability to create matchups against other teams defense sets him apart as a tight end. While he is not catching passes from Tom Brady, he is creating tunnels for his running backs to advance the ball downfield or open lanes for the wide receivers. This season, in particular, showcased his awareness on the field. Some may look at his three total touchdowns this season as a negative, but it is everything short of unproductive.
Gronkowski may not have been the player he once was from his emergence onto the gridiron. His responsibilities with the Patriots may have shifted, but they did not change his fervor and appetite for greatness. He has always been there for his quarterback in times of need and has been a true team player overall. Perhaps, this is what we needed to see from the tight end as he rounds out his tenure in the National Football League.
Because the ‘Patriot Way’ in New England is a tight-lipped ship, we are not likely to hear of official plans for Gronkowksi to retire, however, I believe this is his last season with the team. His production has not grown cold, but the toil on his body may wreak havoc on plans to advance another playing season.
As he prepares to play in his fifth Super Bowl, images of his ten-year rodeo may dance in his dreams. He will most likely remember his time walking into Gillette Stadium for the first time as a member of the Patriots. The ambiance of greatness and tradition trailing behind him. A new set of coaches, player personnel and routines awaiting the newly acquired tight end as he began his professional career. Dreams of making it to the NFL and catching passes from Tom Brady as he rumbled down the field can only make him smile at the memories.
If this is indeed his last time donning the number 87 jersey, it is fitting that his legacy gets remembered for all he has done as a Patriot. His goofy smile and childlike demeanor gave the impression to anyone that came in contact with him, that he had an amazing soul. Every coach wants to have players on the team that believe they can achieve anything. Those words are what describe Gronkowski in every manner. Only time will tell how he ends his final season in the NFL. Then he can truly say, “Yo soy fiesta!” He is the party, and the party won’t stop as long as Gronk is around.
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