NFL8 Nov 20262 minute read

Rob Gronkowski Enters Patriots Hall of Fame With Signature Football Spike

Rob Gronkowski was inducted into the New England Patriots Hall of Fame on Saturday alongside former teammate Tom Brady.

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A Celebration in Foxborough

Rob Gronkowski joined the New England Patriots Hall of Fame on Saturday during a ceremony outside Gillette Stadium. Thousands of fans gathered in the plaza to watch the former tight end receive his red jacket.

Gronkowski finished his speech with his usual light hearted humor. "I'm a Patriot for Life. Now let's fiesta!" he said, before dancing and spiking a football onto the stage. Tom Brady, who sat beside him in his own red jacket, was the first to give Gronkowski a hug after the spike.

A Historic Run in New England

Inductees into the team Hall of Fame are chosen by a fan vote. Gronkowski showed up in bright red pants and a white shirt with red buttons, true to his personality.

During his nine seasons in New England, Gronkowski helped the Patriots win nine AFC East titles. He played in eight AFC Championship Games and reached the Super Bowl four times. He finished his New England regular season career with 521 catches for 7,861 yards and 79 touchdowns. In the postseason, he added 81 catches for 1,163 yards and 12 touchdowns.

"Nothing and no one is ever matching what we did over the run we had," Gronkowski said.

A Special Connection to the Fans

Brady was in town to work as an analyst for Sunday's game between the visiting Green Bay Packers and the Patriots. Gronkowski also played two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers later in his career.

Gronkowski grew up in Western New York, but he now has a full time residence in Massachusetts. He made sure to thank the local fans for their support.

"New England will always be home," he said, "and I will always love you guys."

What it means for the next game

Green Bay Packers at New England Patriots (NFL, Sun, 08 Nov): New England Patriots win 58%, Green Bay Packers win 42%; projected score New England Patriots 24, Green Bay Packers 20. Our safest pick: Patriots +3.5.

New England Patriots at Detroit Lions (NFL, Sun, 15 Nov): Detroit Lions win 45%, New England Patriots win 55%; projected score Detroit Lions 24, New England Patriots 24. Our safest pick: Lions +8.5.