Did Gronk Play in Super Bowl 51? Full Breakdown

By Sarah Miller · December 24, 2050

Yes, Rob Gronkowski played in Super Bowl 51 as the starting tight end for the New England Patriots in their historic 34-28 overtime victory over the Atlanta Falcons.

Rob Gronkowski's Role in Super Bowl 51

Rob Gronkowski, commonly known as "Gronk," was a central figure in the New England Patriots' offense during Super Bowl 51. As one of the most dominant tight ends in NFL history, his presence on the field was critical to the team's offensive strategy against the Atlanta Falcons.

Key Contributions During the Game

Gronkowski recorded 6 receptions for 116 yards, marking his highest receiving yardage in any playoff game.
He played through physical adversity, including contact from defenders that limited his separation at times.
Although he did not score a touchdown, his deep threat capability stretched the Falcons' defense and created opportunities for other receivers.

Injury Challenges Leading Up to the Game

Gronkowski faced significant health challenges during the 2016 season, which made his Super Bowl appearance even more impressive:

He missed multiple regular-season games due to a back injury and suspension.
Prior to Super Bowl 51, there were doubts about his availability after sustaining a knee injury in the AFC Championship Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Despite limited practice time, Gronkowski was cleared to play and started in the biggest game of the year.

Statistical Breakdown: Gronkowski’s Super Bowl 51 Performance

Statistic	Value
Targets	9
Receptions	6
Receiving Yards	116
Longest Reception	22 yards
Touchdowns	0
Yards After Catch	47
Quarterback Rating When Targeted	112.3

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that Gronkowski was highly effective when targeted, averaging 12.9 yards per catch and maintaining a strong quarterback rating impact. His 116 receiving yards were second on the team behind Danny Amendola and crucial in sustaining long drives during the comeback.

Legacy and Impact of Gronk in Super Bowl 51

While Tom Brady won MVP honors, Gronkowski’s performance was foundational to the Patriots’ 25-point comeback—the largest in Super Bowl history. His ability to gain separation against elite defensive backs and move the chains kept the Falcons’ defense off balance.

Gronkowski’s role extended beyond stats; his physicality and experience provided stability during high-pressure moments. This game is often cited as one of his most resilient performances, given the injury concerns leading up to kickoff.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gronk in Super Bowl 51

Did Rob Gronkowski score in Super Bowl 51?

No, Rob Gronkowski did not score a touchdown in Super Bowl 51. Despite recording 6 catches for 116 yards, he was kept out of the end zone. The Patriots’ touchdowns came from James White (3) and Julian Edelman (1, in overtime).

How many yards did Gronk have in Super Bowl 51?

Rob Gronkowski had 116 receiving yards on 6 receptions in Super Bowl 51, with a long reception of 22 yards. This marked his best yardage total in any postseason game.

Was Gronk injured before Super Bowl 51?

Yes, Gronkowski suffered a knee injury in the AFC Championship Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers just two weeks before Super Bowl 51. His participation was uncertain until final clearance, but he was able to start and played 66 of 82 offensive snaps.

Who covered Gronk in Super Bowl 51?

Gronkowski was primarily covered by Falcons linebackers and safeties, including Deion Jones and Keanu Neal. The Falcons used a mix of man and zone coverages, but struggled to contain him on intermediate and deep routes.

What was Gronk’s longest catch in Super Bowl 51?

Gronkowski’s longest reception in Super Bowl 51 was 22 yards. While not a explosive play by his standards, it contributed to sustained drives, particularly during the fourth quarter and overtime.