The 10 best plays, viral moments from Gronk's all-time great career
There were two sides to Rob Gronkowski.
On the field, he was a colossus who was virtually unstoppable at full strength. Away from it, he was an ever-quotable life of the party.
Both versions of the man gave us a lifetime's worth of memories in the nine years since he entered the NFL. Below are the top 10 plays of Gronk's career, along with his 10 most viral moments:
Top 10 plays
Final catch of career
The last catch of Gronkowski's career may also have been the most important. With Super Bowl LIII tied 3-3 in the fourth quarter, Gronk set up the winning touchdown with this 29-yard reception in double coverage. The next play was the only touchdown of the game.
Key grab in 2018 AFC title game
Much like in the ensuing Super Bowl, a massive Gronkowski grab immediately led to a fourth-quarter touchdown in the 2018 AFC Championship Game against the Chiefs. On this play, Gronk "Moss'd" safety Eric Berry after manhandling him for much of the game.
Late 4th-and-goal TD in 2015 playoffs
On fourth-and-goal with just 17 seconds left in the 2015 AFC Championship Game versus Denver, Gronk made an acrobatic catch in the back of the end zone that kept the Patriots' title hopes alive. However, they failed to tie the game on the subsequent 2-point conversion.
Embarrasses Redskins' defense
Before injuries sapped many of his powers, Gronk possessed almost superhuman strength. The 2011 Redskins found that out the hard way.
'Runaway truck'
How do you tackle a "runaway truck"? The Colts certainly had no answer on this play.
One-handed snag
With his twice-broken left arm, Gronk reached all the way back for one of the best catches of his career.
One-handed grab - with style
While not necessarily known for his footwork, Gronk added a pirouette at the goal line during this difficult catch
Throws Sergio Brown 'out of the club'
One of the Gronkiest plays wasn't even a catch. The tight end memorably blocked Colts safety Sergio Brown all the way off the field and later said he simply "threw him out of the club." Tap here for the full play.
Immune to arm tackles
On this play, Gronk shrugged off virtually the entire Browns defense and came less than an inch shy of an all-time touchdown. It was impressive nonetheless.
1st career catch, 1st TD
One catch. One yard. One TD. Gronk the touchdown monster was officially born on Sept. 12, 2010.
Top 10 viral moments
Super Bowl Parade Gronk
Gronk introduced himself to a wider audience when his hard-partying style - while he wore a Minions hat - at the 2015 Super Bowl parade went viral.
From that point on, Gronk was always the center of attention at the team's championship celebrations.
'Yo soy fiesta'
Gronkowski can pretty much be summed up in three words: "I am party."
Gronk's favorite number
Nothing made the lovable goof happier than discussing his favorite digits.
Surprise appearance at WrestleMania 33
Gronk has the ideal nickname, physique, and persona for the world of wrestling, and he fit right in during a surprise appearance at WrestleMania 33.
Gaming with Marshawn Lynch, Conan O'Brien
Warning: Video contains graphic content
Before they did battle at Super Bowl XLIX, Gronk and former Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch played a friendly, explicit, and hilarious game of "Mortal Kombat."
Brady jersey heist
After Tom Brady's stolen Super Bowl jersey made international headlines in 2017, he and Gronk had some fun with the storyline at the Boston Red Sox home opener.
'Family Feud' appearance
Gronk and his fam appeared on "Celebrity Family Feud" at the height of the Deflategate scandal.
'A Gronking to Remember'
Gronk and erotic fan fiction. It happened.
ESPN Body Issue
The tight end let it all hang out in a nude photo shoot for ESPN The Magazine's Body Issue in 2012.
Gronk Party Ship
In 2016, Gronkowski and his family took the party to a cruise ship, where twerking and grinding to Flo Rida was only one part of the boozy festivities.
Thanks for all the memories, Gronk.