Gronkowski

Conan O'Brien performed a parody that referred to Gronkowski.

NYT > Home Page By GREG BISHOP 2012

Dexterfishmore: Question raised by watching Cal-Maryland: how is it possible that 3\% of all starting tight ends in college football are named "Gronkowski"?

Deadspin 2008

But Gronkowski is arguably linchpin to the team's receiving corps.

An NFL Season Hinges on an Ankle Chris Herring 2012

One of Tom Brady's favorite targets, Gronkowski broke a single-season NFL record for touchdowns by a tight end with 17.

An NFL Season Hinges on an Ankle Chris Herring 2012

Brady's red-zone numbers, in particular, were considerably better when throwing to Gronkowski when compared to his other targets.

An NFL Season Hinges on an Ankle Chris Herring 2012

To be sure, Gronkowski is not the first injured difference-maker to absorb all the attention heading into America's biggest sporting event.

An NFL Season Hinges on an Ankle Chris Herring 2012

"But if Gronkowski doesn't play, he might be worth a half-point or a point, which is a monstrous difference in our business."

An NFL Season Hinges on an Ankle Chris Herring 2012

He completed 70% of his throws for 15 touchdowns and 131.1 quarterback rating when targeting Gronkowski inside the 20-yard-line.

An NFL Season Hinges on an Ankle Chris Herring 2012

Gronkowski, who has been in a walking boot, hasn't spoken with the media since the night of the win over the Ravens.

An NFL Season Hinges on an Ankle Chris Herring 2012

Asked last week how Gronkowski's ankle was progressing, New England coach Bill Belichick was subtle in saying, "Good, good."

An NFL Season Hinges on an Ankle Chris Herring 2012