Rob Gronkowski's Second Shot at the Uprights
Former NFL star tight end Rob Gronkowski is gearing up for another run at gridiron glory, but not in the way you might expect. The four-time Super Bowl champion is preparing to take on the challenge of a field goal attempt—a discipline far from the offensive position he famously played during his career. His aim is not only to redeem himself after a miss last year but also to potentially win lucky fans their share of a whopping $10 million in bonus bets.
This spirited attempt is part of a promotion by FanDuel, the sportsbook and fantasy sports provider known for engaging fans with unique opportunities tied to the spectacle of the Super Bowl. Gronkowski's inaugural attempt at a 25-yard field goal fell short, but this year he's approaching the task with renewed confidence and significantly less pressure.
Training Days and Brief Hiccups
In preparation for his previous attempt, the retired NFL standout was tutored by none other than Adam Vinatieri, the legendary clutch kicker. Gronkowski, who played 143 illustrious games before hanging up his cleats in 2021, isn't a complete stranger to kicking a ball; he dabbled in Punt, Pass, and Kick competitions in his youth. However, the dynamics of a football field goal have proved challenging.
Weather played the spoiler last year when 'Gronk'—as he's affectionately known—adopted a "soccer-style" kicking technique that didn't hold up against the wind. This time around, the forecast for Sunday in Las Vegas suggests a more favorable environment, with only light winds expected, setting the stage for a potential story of redemption.
Moreover, not only does this "Kick of Destiny" stand to rake in substantial profit and thrill for fans, it also proved to be a brilliant business move for FanDuel, which saw a significant 10-point jump in brand share following last year's event.
A Nod to the Specialists
Through his experience in preparing for these goal attempts, Gronkowski has come to express a newfound respect for professional kickers, acknowledging the intense pressure and precision required in their specialized role. With this event, FanDuel invites customers to get a taste of the action by betting on whether Gronkowski will make the kick ("Team Make") or miss ("Team Miss"). A compelling 75 percent of FanDuel's customers are reportedly backing the NFL legend to split the uprights successfully.
The excitement will culminate with the kick being live-broadcasted directly from the heart of the Las Vegas Valley, where fans will eagerly wait to see if he can convert on the big stage. If Gronkowski’s practice sessions are any indication—he has reportedly made about 85 percent of his practice kicks and has successfully drilled field goals from as far as 40 yards out—the anticipation could well see a gratified climax.
Confidence in the Air
Gronkowski's distinct brand of unwavering confidence shines through in the quotes he's shared. "I’m not going to miss again," he declared, showcasing his enthusiasm and dedication to the promotional stunt. Drawing on an uncharacteristically modest assessment of last year's attempt, he admits, "I feel more confident, because where I started last year—it was embarrassing."
Andrew Sneyd, Executive Vice President at FanDuel, reminisced on the determination Gronkowski showed immediately after his missed attempt, noting, "He looked up and said, ‘Andrew, we have to do this again.’" Such persistence is a testament to Gronkowski's competitive spirit and his eagerness to overcome the setback—a trait well-acclaimed throughout his football career.
Considering the difficulty and high stakes of the role of a professional kicker, Gronkowski shows an empathetic side away from his usual lighthearted demeanor. "I feel for them; it’s a tough job and, on top of it, they are doing it with the game on the line," he commented, perhaps hinting at an appreciation for the intricacies of the game that even an accomplished athlete like himself continues to discover.
As fans and bettors alike lean in to witness whether the former tight end will succeed at a venture so distant from catching passes in the endzone, the saga serves as a reminder that the game of football—and perhaps sport in general—continually offers the chance for redemption, reinvention, and the delightfully unexpected.