New England Patriots: 5 things we love about Rob Gronkowski

The best tight end in the game

It’s scary to think what Rob Gronkowski’s numbers would be if he didn’t miss so many games due to injury.

In just seven seasons in the NFL, Gronkowski has emerged as probably the best tight end to have played the game.  There are some fans and NFL analysts around the league that would argue that.  However, no one can deny the force this man is on the field when healthy.

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Until this past season when the Patriots won Super Bowl LI, the team winning without Rob Gronkowski seemed unimaginable.  That is just how much potent and unstoppable Tom Brady and the offense are when he is on the field.

Numbers never lie

The Pro Bowl tight end has recorded double-digit touchdowns in five of his seven seasons in the NFL and in that span has three 1000-yard receiving seasons.  In the three of the four seasons he did not hit those numbers, were years he missed multiple games due to injury.  Still, he managed to record over 500 yards receiving in all three of those seasons.

Beyond the numbers, what’s impressive about Rob Gronkowski is that he is not afraid to do the dirty work and whatever the team asks of him.  That’s why Tom Brady loves him.

"“Obviously he gets a lot of attention for catching touchdown passes, but he does all the dirty work too,” Brady said of Gronk back in 2015, via ESPN.  “He’s in there blocking for those backs and in pass protection and takes a lot of pride in all those things.  He’s been out there every day this year practicing as hard as he can, and I think it’s just showing a huge commitment by him to all of us players of what it means to him.  I think he’s been a great example for all of us.”"

While his other teammates and opposing players share Brady’s sentiments, Rob Gronkowski received the ultimate praise from Bill Belichick.  The Patriots head coach linked him to the great Mark Bavaro as the two best blocking tight ends he has ever coached.

Next: New England Patriots: Tom Brady’s top 5 receivers of all time…so far

That caps off the five things we love about one of the most dominant offensive players in the game today.