Rob Gronkowski is used to being in high-pressure moments involving the Super Bowl. He won four championships providing some clutch catches for the New England Patriots’ dynasty of the 2000s and with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Unfortunately, “Gronk” failed to deliver in his latest Super Bowl moment — but one that involved his leg.
Rob Gronkowski and the ‘Kick of Destiny’
Through his partnership with FanDuel, the legendary tight end got involved with, for the second straight year, his “Kick of Destiny.”
How it worked for Gronkowski and FanDuel is this: Users could bet on whether or not Gronkowski would miss a field goal that he’d take live in the middle of a commercial break during the big game. Bettors could win a share of the $10 million prize pool of “bonus bets” based on whether or not the former tight end made or missed the kick.
This year’s promotion involved actor and World Wrestling Entertainment superstar John Cena and the late Carl Weathers, who passed away before the game on Feb. 2.
Once again, $10 million in bonus bets were up for grabs if Gronk made his 25-yard attempt outside of Allegiant Stadium. Friend of Gronkowski and NFL personality Kay Adams was on sight for Gronkowski’s rehearsal.
Rehearsal vibes are high with @RobGronkowski !#KickOfDestiny @FDSportsbook pic.twitter.com/QTbO0dARQg
— Kay Adams (@heykayadams) February 11, 2024
But here’s how the kick went: Gronk’s attempt sailed wide right.
Let's take another look at Gronk's kick 😅#KickOfDestiny pic.twitter.com/JnuchJj15T
— FanDuel (@FanDuel) February 11, 2024
And his kick sparked some immediate online reactions.
‘Gronk Got Worse’ Among Notable Reactions
Leave it to Pat McAfee to be among the more humorous reactors to Gronkowski’s miss.
Gronk got worse at kicking
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 11, 2024
One fan, though, really rubbed it in by bringing up Gronk’s hometown of Buffalo — which recently witnessed a wide-right attempt along with other heartbreaks.
“Now we know he’s from Buffalo…..wide ri(can’t say it),” the fan posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).
One other fan joked how Gronkowski took all that time to promote the event only to misfire.
“Two months of promotion all for Gronk to miss lol,” the fan posted.
Another fan wondered if Gronkowski was really ready for his moment.
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“He did not prepare for this moment,” the fan joked.
Even the X account for FanDuel posted an instant reaction involving Cena.
The kick is … NO GOOD 😱 pic.twitter.com/TxtDwKOsvU
— FanDuel Sportsbook (@FDSportsbook) February 11, 2024
However, Gronkowski missing the field goal still came with some rewards for those who bet that he would miss, per FanDuel.
Gronk didn't get his redemption in the #KickOfDestiny
But if you picked MISS, you're getting a share of $10 MILLION in bonus bets! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/HfUutDivBP
— FanDuel Sportsbook (@FDSportsbook) February 11, 2024
There’s no word yet on whether Gronkowski will commit himself to “Kick of Destiny 3” for the 2025 Super Bowl down in New Orleans. That one is expected to have his former teammate Tom Brady in the broadcast booth, as that game will be on Fox.
As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!