Rob Gronkowski had only been a member of the Patriots for a few minutes before receiving a scolding for celebrating too hard.
During an appearance in “The Dynasty: New England Patriots” docuseries on Apple TV+, the retired tight end — whose party persona was a highlight throughout his 11-season career — recalled getting in trouble with the team for a huddle celebration with his family at the 2010 NFL Draft, when the Patriots selected him in the second round at No. 42 overall.
“When I was drafted to the Patriots it was a proud moment,” said Gronkowski, who was one of many former Patriots players interviewed for the docuseries, including former quarterback Tom Brady.
“My family came on stage as well. We got in a huddle. We were [cheering] in the huddle, jumping up and down.
“And then all of a sudden I get a phone call from the Patriots, and they said, ‘Hey Rob, you can get off now, like enough is enough.’
“And I’m sitting there like, ‘Wow I’m already in trouble. It’s been five minutes since I’ve been on the Patriots, and I’m already in trouble.'”
Gronkowski, now 34, threw his hands in the air in disbelief while recounting the moment.
In video footage from the 2010 draft, Gronkowski’s family did not join him on stage with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell but instead formed the huddle at their table inside Radio City Music Hall in New York, where the draft previously took place.
Gronkowski spent the first nine seasons of his career with the Patriots, where he won three Super Bowls and recorded 521 catches for 7,861 yards and 79 touchdowns, along with 15 touchdown catches in the postseason.
Then in 2020, the future Hall of Famer took his talents to Tampa Bay — where he teamed up with Brady again — to win what would be his fourth and final Super Bowl in February 2021.
Gronkowski caught 13 touchdowns across two total seasons with the Buccaneers before hanging up his jersey for good in June 2022.
Beyond his Super Bowl wins, Gronkowski’s resume boasts four All-Pro selections, five Pro Bowls and the 2014 NFL Comeback Player of the Year award.
Gronkowski also holds NFL records for most total touchdowns in a season by a tight end (18) and most receiving touchdowns in a season by a tight end (17). He led the league in receiving touchdowns in 2011.
He has since transitioned into broadcasting, working as a studio analyst for Fox Sports.
