Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski has made millions playing in the NFL. (Getty)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski has ridiculous athletic talents which enable him to play professional football for a living.
And those guys in the NFL get paid a lot of money. Especially if you excel, like “Gronk” does.
But the 27-year-old is more than just a touchdown-scoring machine. He’s got charisma and marketability. And when you’re an athlete, that often translates to a lot more cash in the form of endorsements and other ventures.
And apparently the Amherst, New York, native is wise with his money and his real estate investments.
Some websites approximate his net worth at $15 million. While we can’t be sure of that exact amount, you’ll see below the man is not hurting. In fact, that number could be higher.
Keep reading for more on Gronskowski’s net worth and financial background:
1. Gronkowski Signed a $54 Million Extension In 2012
Gronkowski signed a 6-year, $54 contract extension in June 2012, then the richest for tight end ever.
Of that $13.17 million was guaranteed and he’s set to become a free agent in 2020.
According to Spotrac, which tracks athletes’ contracts, Gronk has made $16.34 million in salary and bonuses in his first 5 seasons.
He’ll make a $2.25 million guaranteed base salary in 2016, a roster bonus of $468,750 and a workout bonus of $250,000.
2. He Hasn’t Spent a Single Cent of it
(Getty)
Gronkowski has a book due out for the summer of 2015 (more details on that in a bit) and in it he says he hasn’t never spent any of the salary he made from football.
Excerpts of the book appeared online in Sports Illustrated:
To this day, I still haven’t touched one dime of my signing bonus money or NFL contract money. I live off my marketing money and haven’t blown it on any big-money expensive cars, expensive jewelry or tattoos and still wear my favorite pair of jeans from high school.
If that’s the case and Gronk is saving all his football salary, he’s going to have quite the retirement fund.
Jeans from high school, though? Great that he can still fit into them, but I’m sure he can spring for another pair.
3. Gronkowski Has an Endorsement Deal With Dunkin’ Donuts
He says the money he lives off of comes from his endorsements. Gronkowski lists Dunkin’ Donuts, BODYARMOR SuperDrink and, most recently, Tide as clients.
As for BODYARMOR, Gronk isn’t just a pitchman, but also an investor.
So sports drinks and DD pay for all those Las Vegas trips.
4. Gronk’s Book was Released in July 2015
Now back to the book. “It’s Good to Be Gronk” is set to be released July 14 and if you are familiar with the player, you can certainly expect it to be an entertaining page-turner. And it’ll make him a pretty penny.
In other excerpts released on SI:
On a college frat-house brawl at Arizona:
Guys were coming at me from behind and from all angles … Eventually eight of them got me to the ground, and I was taking kicks everywhere, but our quarterback, Willie Tuitama, ran in and helped get me out of there. The girl I had been friendly with told me that I looked like the Hulk throwing four dudes off me. She loved it and definitely made it up to me later.
On a conversation with Patriots head coach Bill Belichick in 2013:
While I was watching a training camp practice in between my own exercises, Coach Belichick was standing right next to me and said, ‘Rob, you are one of the hardest workers I’ve seen, and you’re always working hard when you’re here, but when you’re not here … I don’t know about your craziness off the field, the messing.’ I started laughing and told him, ‘The fun stuff makes me grind harder, coach.’ He shook his head as he walked off and said, ‘Whatever works for you.’
Oh yeah, he’s also been the subject of a romantic novel series. Seriously. Click here to check out “A Gronking to Remember.”
He’s also got into the acting game, recently playing himself in the “Entourage” movie. He as he recently played “Officer Weadon” in the upcoming thriller “You Can’t Have It.”
5. He Sold His Bachelor Pad For $2 Million
(Getty)
In 2012, Gronkowski plunked down about $1.5 million for a 4,700-square foot South Tampa mansion. Just over a year later, he sold it for $2 million, scoring nearly $500K in profit.
So he saves his money, invests wisely and wins in the real estate business.
He’s not kidding; “It’s Good to be Gronk.”
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Rob Gronkowski’s Net Worth: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know