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Emotional Rob Gronkowski credited New England fans at ‘Gronk Playground’ dedication
"Excuse me, you still have me moved."
Rob Gronkowski’s emotional dedication: At the official opening of the newly built “Gronk Playground,” the man for whom it was named was moved to tears during its dedication on Tuesday.
Rob Gronkowski, who helped the Patriots win three Super Bowls, led the charge on the construction of the revamped playground located on Boston’s Esplanade next to the Charles River. With Robert Kraft, Gov. Maura Healey, and a crowd of excited children looking on, the now-retired Gronkowski was openly emotional as he made his remarks.
“Excuse me, you still have me moved,” Gronkowski told the crowd through a few tears.
“Wow,” he added after trying to compose himself a second time.
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“I thought of the idea to give back to the Boston area for all the love and support the [region] of New England fans have shown me throughout my career,” Gronkowski explained.
Citing his irrepressibly upbeat attitude and joking style, Gronkowski credited fans for cheering him on regardless of his occasional hijinks.
“It was since day one. Even if I was acting like an idiot, they loved it. You guys loved it,” he said. “So thank you so much. It helped me perform, tremendously.”
The project came together thanks in part to $2 million raised by the Gronk Nation Youth Foundation, includes localized references (including quotes from athletes like Gronkowski’s former teammate, Tom Brady), and is ADA accessible.
Speaking about a project that was a long time in the making, Gronkowski paused from running around with some of the kids (and showing Gov. Healey how to “Gronk spike” a football) to share his thoughts with reporters.
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“The day is here, and it’s a day to celebrate,” he said.
Trivia: Rob Gronkowski holds the record for most receiving touchdowns in a single season by a tight end with 17 (set in 2011). Who is second on that list?
(Answer at the bottom.)
Hint: He played football and basketball at the University of Miami before being picked in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft by an NFC South team.
Scores and schedules:
The Red Sox lost to the Orioles 4-3 in 11 innings on Tuesday as Baltimore swept the shorter two-game set.
After a day off on Wednesday, the Red Sox begin a crucial four-game series against the Yankees in New York on Thursday.
Also on Thursday, the Patriots face the Giants at MetLife Stadium in the team’s final preseason game prior to the start of the regular season. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m.
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- Steve Pagliuca congratulates new Celtics ownership group after sale is finalized
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- What NFL experts are saying about the possibility of a blockbuster Patriots trade
Mind games: Though the final score didn’t go the Red Sox’ way on Tuesday, this sequence (narrated by NESN’s Lou Merloni) was satisfying to watch for Boston baseball fans.
On this day: In 2008, Usain Bolt completed an Olympic double, winning the 200-meter dash in a world record time after already defeating all challengers in the 100-meter.
And coincidentally, Bolt would break his own record on the same day one year later in 2009. Running at the World Championships in Athletics, Bolt shattered his own 200-meter record with a time of 19.19. It still stands in 2025.
Daily highlight: Enjoy a gem of a catch from the Little League World Series, though Washington ended up losing in the end to South Dakota.
Trivia answer: Jimmy Graham
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