In any sporting league, veterans are the ones who open gates and train the coming generation to take the baton forward. Rob Gronkowski is one such veteran, and any youngster in the league might feel lucky to be advised by him. As a highly-skilled and charismatic player with a larger-than-life personality, he has a separate fan base. With nine impressive seasons as a tight end for the New England Patriots and two more with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Gronkowski established himself as one of the most talented and beloved players.
With 80 career touchdowns (79 receiving and one rushing) after playing nine seasons, Gronkowski holds the record for the most touchdowns in Patriots franchise history. But his fans know that his impact extends far beyond the football field. Gronk recently appeared in an interview with Kay Adams on the latest episode of ‘Up & Adams‘ on FanDuel TV! He shared insights from his NFL drafting memories. Besides that, he offered valuable advice to young quarterbacks like Will Levis of the Tennessee Titans.
Gronk?s ethics notes for young players
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Gronk made an exclusive appearance on ‘Kay Adam?s Show’ on Wednesday. He was asked to give a piece of advice to young players like Will Levis, Michael Mayer, or Brian Branch on their NFL drafting disappointments. Gronk said that he noticed they were hoping to be in the first round but got drafted in the second round. But, he clarified, ?The draft does not matter. It’s just all about the opportunities.?
Gronkowski reflected on his own experience with the NFL draft in 2010. He admitted felt disappointed when he wasn’t selected in the first round. But, when he was picked in the second round, his joy knew no bounds. Drawing on this experience, he offered advice to young players who might feel discouraged during the draft.
He emphasized that it doesn’t matter at which point they’re selected, as long as they use their opportunities to prove themselves and shine. As he put it, “You get the same exact opportunity to succeed in the NFL.” He said that a player’s legacy isn’t determined by where they’re drafted. Their legacy lies in their performance on the field and their dedication to the game.
Late-round and undrafted NFL players created history in the sports world
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The opportunity to seize a great future is rare, but those who can do so can create history. Kurt Warner is one of those undrafted players who later got his name inked in ?best-undrafted player of all time?. He was benched three times in his career as a quarterback. He won two NFL MVP awards (1999, 2001) and one Super Bowl title (2000) with the St. Louis Rams (now the Los Angeles Rams) in his NFL career.
When it comes to late-round picks, it’s hard to forget the story of Tom Brady, who was selected at No 199 in the second round of the 2000 NFL draft. Despite being initially listed as the fourth-string quarterback for the Patriots, he gradually worked his way up the depth chart. He became one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. With 649 touchdown passes and a record-breaking 89,214 passing yards, Brady has achieved seven Super Bowl wins, and the rest is history. Brady was Gronk?s teammate as well and they both share a great friendship.
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Watch this story: Tom Brady’s Former Teammate Cum Best-Friend Rob Gronkowski Embraces Future Husband Duties in Post-Retirement Life
These success stories and Gonk?s advice serve as a reminder that obstacles can be turned into opportunities. The players who are overlooked in the draft or signed as undrafted free agents can still make an impact. Other examples include Bart Starr, Roger Staubach, and Chris Harris, who all proved themselves in the NFL with their hard work and abilities.