New
England tight end Gronkoswki sets career touchdown record
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[October 31, 2016]
(The Sports Xchange) - Rob
Gronkowski had a record-breaking homecoming Sunday.
Gronkowski, who grew up in suburban Buffalo, set a New England
Patriots record with his 69th career touchdown in a 41-25 victory
over the Buffalo Bills.
"Definitely an honor to come home to my hometown and get that
record," Gronkowski said. "To hold the record for most franchise
touchdowns is just unbelievable."
Stanley Morgan held the franchise record since 1989. Gronkowski also
broke Morgan's record for receiving touchdowns with his 68th. He has
also scored a rushing touchdown.
"Stanley Morgan actually called me to congratulate me," Gronkowski
said. "He was an awesome player and an awesome guy. He said
congratulations and it was pretty cool. To get a phone call from him
already, right after the game in the locker room, was something
special."
Morgan scored his 68 touchdowns in 180 games with the Patriots from
1977-89. Gronkowski has played in 86 games.
"That guy's (a) phenomenal player and he's been that way for a long
time," Ryan said of Gronkowski.
Gronkowski has done more damage against the Bills than any other
opponent, catching 52 passes for 813 yards and 11 touchdowns in 11
games.
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The Patriots are 9-2 against the Bills with Gronkowski in the
lineup. One of those losses came four weeks ago, when Gronkowski was
still limited by a hamstring injury and quarterback Tom Brady was
still suspended.
"I'm so glad we came in here and showed them what we're really
about," Gronkowski said.
Gronkowski set the record with a 53-yard touchdown reception in the
second quarter. He lined up at receiver in an empty backfield set
and got behind Bills cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman on a post
route. Catching the ball in stride at the 27, Gronkowski won the
foot race to the end zone and high-stepped on his way in.
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![](../images/103116pics/sports52.jpg)
Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) takes a bow after scoring a
touchdown during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at New Era
Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
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"Gronk had one-on-one with Robey and cut inside and I just tried to
put it out there for him and he made a great play," Brady said. "He
had a great catch and run and he's tough when he's running through
the middle of the defense."
After scoring the touchdown that put the Patriots up 21-10,
Gronkowski spiked the ball and took a bow.
"It's a great accomplishment," Brady said. "He is dynamic player for
us. He makes great plays in the pass game, down the field,
intermediate, short. He's tough to tackle. He has a great enthusiasm
about him. He's just done a great job since he's been here, so it's
a credit to him and his toughness, his mental toughness."
Gronkowski attended many Bills game with his father, Gordie, and his
four brothers when he was younger. The Bills had an opportunity to
draft Gronkowski out of Arizona in 2010 but selected defensive
tackle Torell Troup one spot before the Patriots took Gronkowski
42nd overall.
He's happy with the way things turned out.
"I love being a part of this organization, love being part of the
Brady era," Gronkowski said. "I couldn't ask to be in any better
situation when I got drafted here seven years ago."
(Editing by Andrew Both)
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