Rob Gronkowski crowns Bill Belichick the ‘GOAT’ with heartfelt tribute at Patriots Hall of Fame ceremony

Rob Gronkowski has paid a heartfelt tribute to Bill Belichick, calling his former New England Patriots coach the greatest of all time during his Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

The former tight end credited Belichick for helping him reach the highest level of the NFL, while also finding room for one of his trademark jokes about his pre-draft meeting.

Gronkowski spent nine seasons in New England, winning three Super Bowls alongside Tom Brady and establishing himself as one of the greatest tight ends in franchise history.

Rob Gronkowski calls Bill Belichick the greatest coach of all time

Speaking during his Patriots Hall of Fame induction, Gronkowski did not hesitate when discussing the coach who helped shape his career.

“The greatest of all time, no question about it…Thank you for doing whatever you felt necessary to get me to play at a high level. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to put our teams in the best possible situations. And thank you for drafting this so-called a**** who would only talk about hot tubs on his pre-draft visits.”

The tribute offered a glimpse of the respect Gronkowski still has for Belichick, despite their very different personalities. The former tight end became one of the NFL’s most recognisable players under the famously disciplined coach.

Belichick coached New England for 24 seasons and won six Super Bowls with the franchise. Gronkowski was part of three of those championship teams, forming a formidable partnership with Brady.

The ceremony also brought several familiar faces from the Patriots dynasty back together. Brady, Julian Edelman, Troy Brown and former offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels were among those in attendance.

Rob Gronkowski crowns Bill Belichick the

Brady received a loud ovation from the crowd, with his presence adding to an emotional occasion for the franchise.

Gronkowski’s nine seasons in New England produced 521 receptions for 7,861 yards and 80 total touchdowns. He remains the franchise’s all-time leader in touchdowns and ranks second in receiving yards.

The former tight end also thanked Patriots supporters for embracing his personality and helping create the famous Gronk persona.

Belichick was not in a speaking mood about his former star during the ceremony, but Gronkowski made sure his appreciation was heard. His induction also puts him on course to become eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame with the Class of 2027.

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