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On Friday Night SmackDown, Michael Cole and Mojo Rawley introduced Rob Gronkowski to the WWE Universe as an official member of the roster. In classic "Gronk" fashion, he danced and partied his way down the ramp, putting on a show for the millions watching at home.
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Over the weekend, fans and performers alike reacted to what could be considered one of the most polarizing debuts of all time. NFL fans have an idea of what to expect from the 5-time Pro Bowler, but those who don't follow the sport may not understand who they were just introduced to.
He's a star athlete, a wild personality, and someone that many feel fits perfectly in the world of WWE. Today, we'll give you five facts to get you better acquainted with Gronk.
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#5 He was voted into the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
When it comes to Tight Ends, Rob Gronkowski sits at the top of the list among others like Tony Gonzalez, Shannon Sharpe, Mike Ditka, and Kellen Winslow, Sr.
In his nine year career, he became a four-time First-team All-Pro, five-time Pro Bowler, and three-time Super Bowl Champion, holding more Super Bowl rings than any other tight end in the sports' history. With an incredible list of accolades like that, it's not hard to see why he was added to the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.
Back in 2019, a panel of media members, former players and league personnel voted on the best players in NFL history. Five tight ends were voted in: John Mackey, Kellen Winslow, Tony Gonzalez, Mike Ditka, and Rob Gronkowski.
Earning a ranking that proved he was a top-five all-time tight end, the rest of his career validates a claim that he may actually be the greatest player to ever play in that position.
Also Read: Rob Gronkowski Net Worth 2021
#4 He's set multiple records for Tight Ends in the NFL
Compared to other well-known NFL players, Rob Gronkowski's career may seem short, only playing for nine years before retiring. Though the average NFL career lasts a little over 3 years, guys like Tony Gonzalez, Troy Polamalu, Eli and Peyton Manning have played well over a decade in the league.
Knowing that only makes his long list of accolades even more impressive. 2011 was an incredible year for Gronk, where he became the only tight end to ever lead the league in touchdowns, also breaking the records for touchdowns by a tight end at 17.
When it comes to career records, Gronkowski has done nearly everything a tight end would want to accomplish before hanging up the pads. Most career touchdowns per game average among the position? Check. Most career average receiving yards per game at tight end? Check. He was also the first tight end to have three seasons with ten or more touchdowns and 1,000 receiving yards.
He even shares a record with one of the greatest NFL players of all time, Randy Moss, in where both men are tied for most offensive touchdowns in their first two seasons at 28.
Along with having the most receptions and receiving yards by a tight end in Super Bowl history, it's no wonder that Rob Gronkowski is looked at as the greatest tight end of all time.
#3 He portrayed himself in Family Guy
Rob Gronkowski did a pretty great job when it came to getting his name out there outside of his NFL career. Appearing in several television series, films, and music videos, he's made sure that his star would not burn out after retiring from football.
On January 15th, 2017, the Family Guy episode "Gronkowsbees" aired on Fox. The main storyline involved Rob Gronkowski and his entire family moving into Peter Griffin's neighborhood after his neighbor was found dead, apparently killed by a cat.
It wasn't just Gronkowski, actually. His four brothers, Gordie, Dan, Chris, and Glenn joined Rob in portraying themselves for the show. Throughout the episode, the Griffin Family, specifically Peter, is ecstatic to have one of his heroes living so close to him. However, the never ending parties begin to take a toll on the neighborhood.
Outside of Family Guy, Gronk has also appeared on MTV's Ridiculousness, HBO's The Shop, and even hosted Fox's New Year's Eve with Steve Harvey last year.
#2 He helped Mojo Rawley win the 2017 Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal
WrestleMania 36 won't be the first time Rob Gronkowski has appeared at the event. In fact, Gronk has already dished out his first bit of offense inside a WWE ring.
At WrestleMania 33, Gronkowski's real-life friend Mojo Rawley participated in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. Rawley had a pretty great run in the match, managing to get to the final three, leaving himself, Jinder Mahal, and Killian Dain in the ring.
Mahal sent Mojo to the floor before insulting Gronkowski, who was sitting ringside. He then grabbed the New England Patriot's drink and threw it into his face before running back inside the ring. Gronk jumped the barricade, and though he was initially held back by security, he made his way through the ropes.
A massive shoulder tackle nearly knocked Mahal to the floor. Thanks to his backup and support of Mojo Rawley, the self embodiment of Hype was able to eliminate Dain and Mahal to win the match.
The crowd exploded when Gronkowski made it to ringside, and were excited to see him enter the ring. Three years later, and he's now signed on with WWE. Will he dish out some more punishment at WrestleMania 36? Only time will tell.
#1 His clubbing and dancing lifestyle isn't just a gimmick
Rob Gronkowski is not one to turn down a good time. He's a notorious party animal, enjoying himself to the fullest at any time, whenever and wherever he wants. In fact, on an episode of MTV's Ridiculousness, Gronkowski revealed that he'd even show up to practice with a hangover once or twice.
In a Sports Illustrated interview back in February on the red carpet of his beach party, stating that he was actually in better shape for that than he was when he was playing in the NFL.
"You gotta perform. You gotta perform in a Super Bowl, but this game is much longer. This is a six-hour party, the Super Bowl is three hours, so I'm actually in better shape coming into this than playing in the game."
Gronkowski's outgoing personality was so influential, in fact, that he was able to get his old coach, Bill Belichick to come, a man who embodies the "all work, no play" ideology.
The legendary NFL star is all about having a good time, so if he's able to bring that energy into WWE and make the best out of it, the WWE Universe may be surprised by how much they actually enjoy Gronk.
