In his 11-year, 143-game career, Rob Gronkowski has had one rushing attempt for a 2-yard touchdown in 2011. He also, if you can believe it, has recorded six solo tackles on defense.
However, Gronk, a four-time Super Bowl champion and five-time Pro Bowler, never has attempted a field goal.
That ends on Feb. 12 at this year’s Super Bowl.
FanDuel announced Monday the “Kick of Destiny,” in which Gronkowski will attempt to kick a 25-yard field goal during a live Super Bowl LVII television commercial.
This comes less than two weeks after retail Massachusetts sports betting is expected to launch. Gronk, of course, is a wildly famous former Patriots tight end and Tom Brady’s favorite career target for New England and Tampa.
How the Gronk/FanDuel Promotion Works
Any customer who places a Super Bowl bet of $5 or more on FanDuel will win a share of $10 million in free bets if Gronkowski kicks the field goal through the uprights.
The company introduced the campaign with its first ad spot Monday and will follow his journey throughout the NFL playoffs, including his training with another Patriots legend, kicker Adam Vinatieri.
“Whether it’s kickoff, a touchdown or an important play that will decide a season, FanDuel knows moments matter,” said Andrew Sneyd, FanDuel’s executive vice president of marketing, in a news release. “Our first-ever Super Bowl commercial will be more than just a television spot — it will create a moment that will bring fans together and give them something to collectively cheer for. It’s an unprecedented field goal attempt on live TV. . . so anything can happen.”
FanDuel also will run a series of digital and promotional activities on the ground in Phoenix during the run-up to the big game in Glendale, Ariz., as fans will be able to take photos with “The Foot of Destiny,” a replica of Gronkowski's foot that will be signed by him and auctioned off after the Super Bowl. Anybody 21 years or older can take a shot at the “Kick of Destiny” on-site at the Super Bowl Experience with the chance to win $25 at the FanDuel Sportsbook at the Footprint Center.
FanDuel will be among the operators that will hit the ground running when the state starts sports betting. So look for a FanDuel Massachusetts promo code, as well as ones from other top operators.
Gronkowski’s old team, the Patriots, fell just short of the playoffs, but his buddy Brady is moving on to the postseason in Tampa. The Bucs, who host the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night, are mild underdogs at sportsbooks.
FanDuel has the Bucs as 2.5-point and -115 moneyline underdogs.
“I spent my career catching the ball, but I always knew I could kick it, and now I’ll do it live in front of football fans everywhere during the Super Bowl,” Gronkowski said in the news announcement. “With $10 million in free FanDuel bets on the line, I’m training every day to give fans something to root for and to watch the ‘Kick of Destiny’ live on national television.”
Last month, Gronkowski joined FanDuel’s team as an exclusive brand partner and has appeared regularly on FanDuel TV with Kay Adams, host of “Up & Adams.” He also will make sportsbook picks, make appearances at newly opened brick-and-mortar retail sportsbook locations and at other FanDuel events and help build awareness for enjoying sports wagering responsibly.
Sports betting in Massachusetts became law on Aug. 1 and was signed into law Aug. 10 by outgoing governor Charlie Baker.
Retail wagering will start at the end of this month but online betting and Massachusetts sportsbook apps will not launch until sometime in March.
Then There Is Gronk, Party Host
Gronkowski also will be hosting his own beach party and music festival on Super Bowl Eve.
The bash is being billed as “Gronk Beach presented by The Beast Unleashed,” the first-ever adult beverage from Monster Brewing.
Gronk, a former University of Arizona star, will be hosting at Scottsdale’s Talking Stick Resort on Saturday, Feb. 11. Music headliners will include 21 Savage, Diplo and Lil Jon.
This will be the third time Gronk Beach has been held, with former hosts Miami (2020) and Las Vegas (2022).
For info, visit gronkbeach.com.
