USA Today via Reuters
Jan 3, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA;Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) runs with the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports| Courtesy: Reuters
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 3, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA;Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) runs with the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports| Courtesy: Reuters
The Bruce Arians-led Tampa Bay Buccaneers sealed a hard-fought 23-31 win against Washington Football Team in the Wild Card Round. Tom Brady put on a stellar display, but the Buccaneers defense looked weak at times.
They will face their next test on Sunday against NFC South champions, New Orleans Saints. While Brady and RB Leonard Fournette were the stars last weekend, there’s another unsung hero in the Buccs locker room in the form of veteran tight end Rob Gronkowski.
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 26, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the third quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
The former New England Patriots man joined the Buccs in the offseason along with TB12. He was part of a flurry of new signings aimed at boosting their playoff hopes.
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Leonard Fournette arrived from Jacksonville Jaguars, as did another former Patriots man, Antonio Brown. But they are all in Florida on short-term deals.
Gronkowski intends to remain with the Buccaneers for a long time, but can he convince coach Arians?
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Rob Gronkowski commits to the state of Florida
“I’ve been playing football in the NFL for 10 years and I’ve been in the playoffs all 10 years. That’s what’s up.” 💪@RobGronkowski sat down with @WillieMcGinest ahead of the @Buccaneers Divisional Round showdown.
📺: @NFLGameDay Morning pic.twitter.com/IKXM6u7ko8
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) January 17, 2021
Rob Gronkowski started all 16 regular-season games for the Buccs. He also featured in last weekend’s playoff win against Washington.
‘The Gronk’ is expected to start on Sunday against the Saints. Here is what he had to say regarding his future in Florida ahead of tonight’s game.
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“Yeah, you got to…I feel like this team was built to win right now. It was put together this year to win right now. I could definitely see this team having a lot of talent come back and having another successful run next year, as well, with me,” Gronk said.
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 26, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the third quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
On 45 receptions, Gronkowski has 630+ receiving yards this season. He averages 13.8 yards per reception with 7 receiving touchdowns heading into the Divisional Round Playoffs.
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Coach Bruce Arians will be hoping for a statement performance from his superstar tight end. Will Gronkowski deliver? We’ll find out soon enough.
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