Why Rob Gronkowski Could be the Difference Maker in Super Bowl LV

Rob Gronkowski could be the greatest tight end of all-time. Gronkowski had a dominating career with the New England Patriots from 2010 until 2018. He then proceeded to retire for one season before returning to join his former quarterback, Tom Brady, in Tampa Bay. 

Gronkowski has been quietly productive this season. He has made some big catches, but Tampa Bay Gronk is nowhere near as dominant as New England Gronk.

This is exactly why Rob Gronkowski could be the difference maker in Super Bowl LV.

New England Gronk

Rob Gronkowski won three Super Bowl titles with the New England Patriots. He was pivotal in all three of these championship runs and knew how to perform when the pressure is on.

With the Patriots, he was a four-time All-Pro selection and a five-time Pro Bowl team member. In 2011, he led the NFL in touchdown receptions. Gronkowski was Tom Brady’s favorite target in New England.

These two athletes were inseparable. Gronkowski always seemed to make the big play when New England needed a spark down the stretch. New England Gronk was very similar to Travis Kelce in today’s game with Kansas City. Nobody can seem to guard the electric tight end.

Gronkowski did more than enough in New England to leave his mark on the franchise forever.

Tampa Bay Gronk

Rob Gronkowski in a Buccaneers’ uniform hasn’t been nearly as dominant as he was in New England. This is to be expected. Taking a year off from the game can’t help a player’s cause when they are over 30 years of age. 

Gronkowski has produced this season in big moments even though he is now a blocking tight end…

“I’m a blocking tight end. I came here to block, baby.” – Rob Gronkowski 

In the regular season, Gronkowski caught 45 passes for 623 yards with seven touchdowns. The primary thing to note about Tampa Bay Gronk is that he made 16 starts in 2020. Staying healthy was his main issue in New England.

Gronkowski only started 16 regular-season games one time with the Patriots in 2010. 

Playoff Gronk

Gronkowski is a big game tight end. He has just caught two passes in this year’s NFL Playoffs. However, he shined with New England.

In 16 playoff appearances with the Patriots, Gronkowski caught 81 passes for 1163 yards with 12 touchdowns. These statistics define Rob Gronkowski as a big-game player. 

No tight end has ever caught more touchdowns in the playoffs than Gronkowski. He also holds the all-time record for combined Super Bowl receptions (23) and receiving yards (297) by a tight end. 

Super Bowl LV Difference Maker?

Gronkowski hasn’t done much in the playoffs this season. Although, he still has one more game to solidify his NFL greatness. Rumors have been circulating around the league that this will be Gronkowski’s final game.

I imagine this is likely. Gronkowski started every game this season, but his body is racked, so I bet he will call it a career after Super Bowl LV. 

The tight end will want to go out with a legendary performance, knowing that his career is coming to an end. I think he will have this opportunity against the Chiefs’ defense.

The Chiefs will not be keying on Gronkowski. The future Hall of Famer has not given them a reason to make him the center of their defensive game plan. 

Antonio Brown is doubtful for Super Bowl LV, but the Chiefs will still want to shut down Chris Godwin, Mike Evans, Scotty Miller, and fellow tight end, Cameron Brate, before they worry about Gronkowski. 

This should leave #87 open for some big catches down the stretch. I’m not saying Rob Gronkowski will steal the show in Super Bowl LV, but don’t be surprised if we see signs of vintage Gronk next Sunday in Tampa Bay.