Former Buccaneers’ tight end Rob Gronkowski is heading back to the Super Bowl. No, not as a player, well, kind of, but not really.
The fun loving four-time All-Pro tight end will be on the field attempting a field goal live as part of a commercial for FanDuel.
The Kick of Destiny
The contest works like this, everyone who places a $5 or more Super Bowl bet wins a share of the $10 million in free bets prize. IF Gronkowski makes the kick.
“Everyone knows that I love throwing myself into fun, love trying out new ideas.” Via The Associated Press. “Obviously, I can catch a football. … Why not try to kick a field goal? And on top of it, I was punt, pass and kick champion in the western New York region when I was growing up, as well. So I love kicking field goals. I used to practice all the time. This is an opportunity to help my fans out there to win $10 million in free bets, which is mind-blowing.”
FanDuel promoted the ad campaign on social media called “Kick of Destiny” on Monday.
“Our first-ever Super Bowl commercial will be more than just a television spot – it will create a moment that will bring fans together, and give them something to collectively cheer for,” said Andrew Sneyd, FanDuel’s executive vice president of marketing. “It’s an unprecedented field-goal attempt on live TV. … so anything can happen.”
Bringing In The Ringer
Gronkowski is taking the kick seriously as he is practicing with legendary NFL kicker Adam Vinatieri.
“I’m not at the top of my game right now, but I actually have two training sessions coming up this week,” Gronkowski stated. “I believe if you put your mind to anything, you can do anything. And I don’t want to disappoint America. … I’m going to have to train, but I feel like I’m going to be able to pull it off. It’s like fourth-and-1, game on the line. I like that pressure. I like the ball coming to me. And this is the same situation with the field goal.”
Does Gronk’s latest project of kicking a field goal at the Super Bowl point to a potential return to playing?
“Obviously, football is in my heart, I love playing the game. I thought about it a few times, actually,” Gronkowski stated. “I wasn’t really close. In order for me to go back to football, my whole mindset, everything would have to be flipped knowing like that is what I’m going to do. Anything’s possible but right now, not really thinking about that, but just doing some other things, enjoying doing other things and having a good time with everything.”
Yes, Gronkowski’s time in Tampa was short, but he still is a fan-favorite and one of the most loveable Buccaneers in recent memory.
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