What is so special about the New England Patriots? Well, as a hardcore Pats fan, I am tempted to say everything, but today I am limiting myself to their tight end, Rob Gronkowski. Of course, it is not limiting at all to talk about how much Gronkowski (Gronk) contributes to the team.

As far as stats go, Gronk is a leader and role model for all tight ends. Since he joined the Patriots in 2010, he has scored ten or more touchdowns in every year he has played except for 2013 when he was out for much of the season due to multiple injuries. (Stop getting hurt, Gronk!) In his rookie preseason, he was one of only three players to score four touchdowns, and he caught his first regular season touchdown (passed by the one and only Tom Brady) in week one! If that isn't enough awesomeness already, the Madden NFL 12 game has a "Rob Gronkowski Award" for tight ends that catch three or more touchdowns in a single game because he was the youngest rookie in NFL history to do it! Gronk is also the cover athlete for the Madden 17 game. Very exciting!

Now I am more of a PlayStation girl, but that cover is just so cool!

So now that we are all familiar with even just the tip of Rob Gronkowski's phenomenal football career, let's talk about the fun guy who loves to dance a lot. Tom Brady has said that he is always super positive, and "what you see is what you get and whether he is dancing, singing, laughing, or spiking, he is true to himself." It is always great when he takes his helmet off after a play, and we either get to see that wild, crazed look in his eyes or a look of pure glee. Clearly, he loves this game just as much as we love to see him play.

Rob Gronkowski is also very active in charity work. This picture above was taken at the annual "Wrap-a-Pat" event in New England that helped over 250 children in need. Patriots owner Robert Kraft said that "his happy, go-lucky attitude is infectious, which makes him a great ambassador when he is out in the community." He also participated in a Patriots charity event in which he was an auction item that students could take to school with them. During his day at school, he answered questions at an assembly, took selfies and signed autographs, and even showed the kids how to do the famous Gronk Spike! He is also very active in the Play 60 program and promotes a healthy diet and exercise. The Patriots' director of community relations has said "His enthusiasm is contagious, no matter where he goes, and he always brings a smile to the room. It's a joy to work with him." Robert Kraft also has nothing but good things to say about the amazing number 87 as well. "I'm not sure Rob even knows how impactful his visits to schools and hospitals are, I think he just genuinely enjoys meeting people and making them happy." Often times when he gets asked to do a program, Gronk brings his brothers and makes it a family event! Imagine, signing up for one Gronkowski and then getting the brothers too? That would be just a dream come true!

I truly cannot wait until football season rolls around again, (I know, it is almost summer, what am I thinking, wishing for winter??) and for the record, I am absolutely writing this article in honor of Rob Gronkowski's birthday today, being May 14th! Happy 27th, Gronk!! And to all reading this article, I leave you with one final picture of our playful hulk-football-monster for your viewing pleasure.