LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 09: New England Patriots football player Rob Gronkowski throws a Clipper color football to the fans during a timeout in the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on March 9, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. The Clippers won 89-76. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
NFLBy David Lauterbach on

Rob Gronkowski is an incredible football player and based on some of his music videos with David Ortiz, he seems like a fun guy to be around too. The football player made the case for his lovable personality once again this week.

The tight end was recently awarded the Ron Burton Community Service Award, which is named in honor of the late Ron Burton. The award is given to a New England Patriots’ player every year who is involved in the community and does a lot of charity work. Gronk was the 14th Patriot to receive the honor and the first who was drafted by the team.

While accepting his award on Tuesday, Gronkowski may have made the quote of the year.

“It is an honor to accept this award. Who would ever thought five years ago when I was on ESPN every weekend drunk that I would be accepting this award.”

Yes Gronk, there’s probably a lot of people who five years ago watched you drunk on ESPN who never thought you’d receive a community service award like this either.

While Gronkowski is known for his crazy antics, some of which do involve heavily partying, he is also well known for his charity work.

“Rob is just as fun to watch at a community event as he is on the game field,” Patriots’ Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft said. “Giving back to the community is a big part of being ‘Gronk.’ He is engaging with fans of all ages. His gregarious personality makes him one of our greatest ambassadors, especially when spreading cheer to children at local hospitals or schools. We love the devotion and enthusiasm that he shows in the community and are proud to present him with this year’s Ron Burton Community Service Award.”

ESPN did a lengthy story on Gronkowski and his charity work in November of 2015. The tight end has his own foundation that works with kids to increase their athletic activity and abilities. On top of that, Gronk is constantly visiting hospitals to meet with kids and help raise money for medical research.

[CSN New England]

About David Lauterbach

David is a writer for The Comeback. He enjoyed two Men's Basketball Final Four trips for Syracuse before graduating in 2016. If The Office or Game of Thrones is on TV, David will be watching.

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