Rob Gronkowski recalls how he clapped back at principal who doubted his NFL dreams

Rob Gronkowski admits that he always wanted to become an NFL player from a very young age during his childhood. It was apparently his lifelong dream to one day play football at the highest level.

While playing youth football, he pictured his future on the gridiron on the largest stage. He truly believed that he was a good enough athlete to one day make his NFL dreams come true. He was obviously right about his own predictions, but not everyone believed he was capable of accomplishing what he set out to do.

Gronkowski shared an interesting story about this during an episode of the "Trading Secrets" podcast. He explained that his middle school principal was one of his biggest doubters early in his journey to eventually make it to the NFL.

"The principal, right in front of me, tells my dad, 'You know, my son was an All-American athlete, and when he got to college, it just started becoming very difficult for him. It's going to get harder as you get to high school and to the college world. Athletics is only going to bring you so far.'

"I'm in seventh grade, and I say right to the principal, 'You know, I ain't your son. I'm making it all the way.'"

The principal couldn't have been more wrong with his analysis of Rob Gronkowski, who went on to become one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history. He had an incredible career with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Gronkowski won four Super Bowl rings while serving as one of the best weapons ever for Tom Brady.

It's a good thing Gronkowski never listened to the doubters and followed his dreams. He proved them wrong on his way to becoming an NFL legend and an eventual member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Where did Rob Gronkowski go to school?

Rob Gronkowski

Rob Gronkowski grew up in Williamsville, New York, near Buffalo. This is where he attended grade school and middle school before attending Williamsville North High School. He has played many youth sports and high school sports, including football, basketball, hockey, and baseball.

Gronkowski decided to focus on football and pursue his dreams of making it to the NFL. He transferred to Woodland Hills High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for his final year of eligibility. From there, he attended the University of Arizona to play college football and was eventually selected by the New England Patriots in the 2010 NFL draft.