NEW: Patriots Gronkowski to Have Back Surgery, Out 8 Weeks
Joe Calabro, GoLocalProv Sports Team
NEW: Patriots Gronkowski to Have Back Surgery, Out 8 Weeks
See More on Gronkowski's Career Below
Gronkowski left the Patriots" previous game against the Jets in the first quarter with a back injury and did not return. The injury was not believed to be serious at the time.
Prior to that, Gronkowski missed the game against the San Francisco 49ers due to a lung injury that he suffered in the Sunday Night game against the Seattle Seahawks.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTIn his career, Gronkowski has missed a total of 21 games, and the Patriots are 15-6 in those games.
They are 3-0 without Gronkowski so far this season.
New England hosts the LA Rams on Sunday at Gillette Stadium.
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
#Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski will have back surgery (as @viccarucci mentioned). Injury is worse than anticipated. It’s happening tomorrow.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 1, 2016
Rob Gronkowski's back injury worse than thought. He is getting surgery tomorrow, per source. No time frame on possible return.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 1, 2016
Rob Gronkowski's back problems are why he was available to Pats in the 2nd round, why he signed his extension 2 years early. Not good.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) December 1, 2016
10 Reasons Why Gronkowski is the Most Fun Athlete
ESPN Body Issue
In 2012, Rob Gronkowski was one of many athletes who posed nude for the ESPN The Magazine body issue
Gronkowski did not look like he was uncomfortable.
Photo courtesy of Cody Collier 36501/flickr
Loves Kittens
In November of 2014, Rob Gronkowski posed with kittens for an ESPN The Magazine photo shoot.
As the picture shows, Gronkowski loves kittens.
Photo courtesy of DGB Productions/flickr
Has His Own Cereal
In 2012, Rob Gronkowski launched Gronk Flakes which were sold in Stop & Shops all across New England. A portion of the proceeds went to his Gronk Nation Youth Foundation.
Photo courtesy of Daniel DeCristo/Flickr
Plays Mortal Kombat
A few days before the Super Bowl, Rob Gronkowski and Marshawn Lynch sat down for a game of Mortal Kombat X on Conan.
Parties with Porn Stars
During the bye week of the 2011 season, Rob Gronkowski hung out with porn star Bibi Jones and even let her wear his jersey.
Photo courtesy of Carmine19jock/flickr
Spikes Hockey Pucks
Gronkowski spiked a hockey puck prior to a Bruins game in a ceremony honoring the Patriots for winning the Super Bowl.
The puck bounced off the ice and went about six rows into the crowd.
Answers Crazy Question
In April of 2012, Rob Gronkowski visited the URI campus and answered questions from students.
Gronkowski even answered one crazy question about who he would rather "F, Marry, or Kill."
How many athletes would actually answer that question?
TD Spikes!
Gronkowski has one of the best touchdown celebrations in the league, just a simple spike of the football. That celebration is what has helped launch him into superstardom.
Like this spike from the Super Bowl.
Dances on Duck Boats
Rob Gronkowski took his dance moves to the Duck Boats during the Patriots Super Bowl parade.
Chugs a Beer at Parade
Rob Gronkowski chugged a beer at the Patriots Super Bowl parade to the delight of all the fans.
