Former NFL star Rob Gronkowski is no stranger to the big stage, having played in 143 games before hanging up his cleats in 2021. This Sunday, Gronkowski will take on a different kind of challenge as he prepares for his second Super Bowl field goal attempt in a high-stakes FanDuel promotion. A spectacle of skill and potential fortune, the event promises fans a share of $10 million in bonus bets should Gronkowski succeed in making the kick—a marked increase from last year's miss from just 25 yards out.
Boosting Confidence Through Preparation
In the lead-up to his attempted redemption, Gronkowski has been characteristically open about his feelings. Shouldering less pressure and fortified by an additional year of practice, the former tight end appears markedly more self-assured:
"I feel more confident because, where I started last year, it was embarrassing," said the five-time Pro Bowler. After training with legendary kicker Adam Vinatieri before last year's miss, Gronkowski knows what it takes to make a successful field goal. Coupled with his childhood experience in Punt, Pass, and Kick competitions, his athletic pedigree has never been in doubt.
Weather conditions seem to be in his favor this time around, with a forecast for light winds during the showcase in the entertainment capital of Las Vegas. Unlike his initial attempt, which was scuppered by an erratic gust, Gronk's second shot benefits from more agreeable conditions.
Gronkowski's connection to the event is also personal, as recalled by a colleague who shared a poignant, if whimsical, moment from last year's miss: "He looked up and said, ‘Andrew, we have to do this again,’" Sneyd recounted.
A Sharper Image
FanDuel's novel "Kick of Destiny" is more than just a sporting oddity—it's been a shrewd business move. The promotion served to enhance the brand's standing considerably, boosting its share by a full 10 points in the wake of last year's event. Now, it offers fans the chance to place their bets on "Team Make" or "Team Miss," pitting faith against doubt as part of the interactive experience.
The sentiment among FanDuel customers is telling, with approximately three-quarters of them opting for "Team Make," demonstrating a collective belief in Gronk's ability to come through.
A Tribute to Kickers
Through this public display of field goal kicking, Gronkowski is not just providing excitement for fans and bettors, he's also shining a light on a facet of football often overlooked: the art of kicking. After his attempts at mastering the skill, Gronkowski has developed a newfound appreciation for the professionals who perform under pressure every week:
"I feel for them; it’s a tough job and, on top of it, they are doing it with the game on the line," Gronkowski remarked on the pressure that kickers regularly face.
This respect is born out of his own experience, where he's shown impressive progress. With a current success rate of roughly 85 percent on practice kicks, including landing field goals from at least 40 yards out, Gronkowski's confidence might not be misplaced.
The Stage is Set
As the sun dips below the horizon in Las Vegas Valley this weekend, all eyes will be on Rob Gronkowski and his boot. With his declared conviction—"I’m not going to miss again"—he's looking to flip the script. The execution of his field goal, with all its implications, will unfurl live to a nation of fans eager to see if the NFL icon can rewrite last year's missed opportunity.
The atmosphere is ripe for a storybook turnaround; a tale of perseverance and the ongoing endeavor to challenge oneself, even in retirement. Super Bowls, after all, have been stages for legendary comebacks—and in his own way, Gronkowski is vying for one more.
