Rob Gronkowski donates $1.2 million to Boston's Charlesbank Playground

"The Patriots taught me the importance of giving back the very first day I stepped in that organization," Gronkowski said while addressing the crowd, captured in the above video. "So, a huge shout-out to [owner] Mr. [Robert] Kraft and the Patriots for installing that into me. 

"Most importantly, I want to thank the incredible fans of New England. I'm humbled and honored to have the opportunity to be part of this amazing community and give back."

The four-time All-Pro added (h/t CBS Sports): "No matter where I go or where I live, I will always have a special connection to New England and the people who live here."

The Patriots selected Gronkowski in the second round of the 2010 NFL draft, and pairing him with then-Pats quarterback Tom Brady turned out to be a historical move. 

The 31-year-old's playing career seemed to end when he announced his retirement in March 2019, following New England's 13-3 Super Bowl LIII victory over the Los Angeles Rams. However, once Brady departed the Patriots for the Bucs last March, he was coaxed out of retirement to reunite with the seven-time-champion quarterback:

Tampa cruised to a 31-9 Super Bowl LV win in February, marking Brady and Gronk's fifth championship won together dating back to New England.

The Bucs re-signed Gronkowski to a one-year deal in March, and the team is the first team in the NFL's salary cap era to return every Super Bowl starter.