New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski isn’t simply an elite player. He also has changed the way defenses operate.

Gronkowski has broken several NFL and Patriots records. Last year, the Williamsville kid caught 90 passes for 1,327 yards and a league-leading 17 touchdowns. The yards and touchdowns were the most in NFL history by a tight end. He also scored a rushing touchdown and topped the AFC in non-kicker scoring, the first tight end to lead a conference.
As a rookie, Gronkowski had a relatively modest 42 catches for 546 yards and 10 touchdowns. But his two seasons put together were historic. No other tight end amassed 20 touchdown receptions faster. Gronkowski did so in 26 games, breaking Mike Ditka’s record of 31 games.