Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski Passes Stanley Morgan With 69th TD
Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski set a franchise record for most touchdowns in the first half of Sunday’s matchup against the Buffalo Bills.
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski caught his 69th touchdown reception in the second quarter of Sunday’s matchup against the Buffalo Bills. It was the 53-yard pass from Tom Brady that launched the All-Pro tight into the No. 1 position for most touchdown receptions.
Gronkowski broke a tie with wide receiver Stanley Morgan in only his seventh NFL season.
GRONKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK. #Patriots #NEvsBUF https://t.co/9nWTAk6iTw
— NFL (@NFL) October 30, 2016
On the 53-yard score, Gronkowski ran past Bills cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman down the seam. He then took a bow in the end zone before displaying his signature Gronk spikes. More importantly for Gronkowski, it got to set the record in his hometown in front of family and friends.
On Thursday, Gronkowski talked about how special it is returning home and playing in front of those who watched him grow up.
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"“Whenever you’re going back to your hometown to play the game you love, it’s an honor to go back and play in front of your friends, family, your teachers that you grew up with that taught you,” said Gronkowski, who grew up in Williamsville, N.Y. “Definitely an honor, and it’s always fun.”"
Gronkowski went on to say that he isn’t into individual statistics and just wants to do whatever it takes to help his team win an important AFC East matchup and also avenge a 16-0 beating by the Bills in Week 4.
"“That’s the last thing I’m thinking about right now,” he continued “We’ve got a big game here. We’ve got the Buffalo Bills, going into Buffalo. The crowd is going to be super loud. They’re always into it, lot of energy. That’s the last thing I’m thinking about. When it happens, if it happens, there’s another time to talk about it, but as of right now, I’m just focused on the Bills. That’s the last thing I want to talk about.”"
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The record-setting touchdown pass was Brady’s second of the afternoon and put the Patriots up 21-10 at the time.