When the World Fought COVID, Rob Gronkowski Helped Boston and America With His Biggest Charitable Acts

As the sun rises on Patriot’s Day, the streets of Boston will ignite with marathon magic, signaling the arrival of the world’s oldest annual marathon, the Boston Marathon. The 128th edition of this iconic race is set to commence with former Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski at its helm. Gronk will take on the prestigious role of Grand Marshal for the 2024 Boston Marathon.

With nine seasons of dedication to the Patriots, Gronk’s not just a star athlete; he has been deeply connected to the community. He once even shared, “It’s cool to give back to the community where everyone supports you.” In 2021, Rob Gronkowski and his Gronk Nation Youth Foundation joined forces, contributing $1.2 million to revitalize Boston’s Charlesbank Playground, located near the scenic Charles River Esplanade, showing his love for Boston runs deep. And when the world fought COVID, did you know Grand Marshall Rob Gronkowski saved Boston and America with his biggest charitable act?

How Boston Marathon 2024 Grand Marshall Rob Gronkowski has given back to the city?

According to Boston.com, in the year 2020, when the world grappled with the pandemic and COVID-19 lockdown, Rob Gronkowski and his longtime girlfriend Camille Kostek showed exceptional kindness by donating personal protective equipment (PPE) to frontline workers in Massachusetts, specifically at the Foxborough and Walpole fire departments.

Their generous contribution of 1,600 protective masks to Foxborough alone was documented on Instagram, where Gronkowski expressed gratitude to the firefighters, stating, “Thanks for keeping my house safe through the years.” The couple was visibly hands-on during their visits, arriving with staff and large boxes of PPE.

At the Walpole fire department, Gronkowski even had the opportunity to climb aboard a fire truck, posing at the wheel and jokingly stating, “Reporting for duty.” His adventurous spirit was further highlighted when he was captured sliding down the fire station pole.

Walpole Firefighters IAFF Local 2464 also extended their gratitude, acknowledging, “Rob Gronkowski stopped by the Station today with some PPE for our guys. Thank you Rob & Camille.” But this was not the only act of kindness done by the four-time Super Bowl champion.

Making the Super Bowl super special

In addition to their philanthropic efforts, Gronkowski and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers organization orchestrated a heartwarming surprise for four local healthcare workers in 2021. Virtually informing them that they would attend Super Bowl 55 as vaccinated healthcare heroes, Gronkowski shared his joy in delivering the message personally, noting, “It was pretty cool just to be that guy to deliver that message, just to see the excitement on their face coming from me.” This gesture not only honored the dedication of these healthcare workers but also provided them with a memorable experience at the Super Bowl.

One nurse, Mandy Mueske, expressed her excitement: “I’ve never been to a Bucs game but I’ve always wanted to, so the first time going is going to be the Super Bowl.” At the Boston Marathon 2024, Gronk will not only serve as the Grand Marshall but also as an honorary recipient of the Boston Athletic Association’s Patriots’ Award, reserved for individuals who exemplify patriotism, philanthropy, fostering goodwill, and sportsmanship. Serving as a hero to the Massachusetts community, sports fans await this iconic moment at the Boston Marathon, starring Rob Gronkowski.