Rob Gronkowski Gears Up for Second Super Bowl Field Goal Attempt
Former NFL star Rob Gronkowski is gearing up for his second attempt at a Super Bowl field goal, with last year's miss still fresh in his mind. In a unique promotion run by FanDuel last year, Gronkowski missed a 25-yard field goal. But this year, he's coming back with more confidence and a chance for fans to win big. If he nails the kick this time around, participants stand a chance to claim a share of a staggering $10 million in bonus bets.
The stakes are high, and Gronkowski is determined to redeem himself. After last year's attempt didn't quite go as planned, the pressure is on, but the five-time Pro Bowl tight end is handling it with a notable calmness. "I feel more confident because where I started last year, it was embarrassing," Gronkowski admitted. With a more nonchalant demeanor this time around, he seems poised to put on a show.
The Journey to a Second Chance
Legendary kicker Adam Vinatieri played a mentor role to Gronkowski before his attempt last year. Gronkowski, who retired in 2021 after playing 143 career games, is no stranger to the basics of kicking. As a youth, he participated in Punt, Pass, and Kick competitions, laying a foundation for what's now an exciting sideshow to his illustrious football career.
However, the transition from catching touchdowns to kicking field goals has not been without its challenges. In his first attempt, Gronkowski opted for a "soccer-style" kick but miscalculated the wind. With the weather in Las Vegas this Sunday expected to carry only light winds, Gronkowski seeks to turn the tide of his placekicking story.
Thanks to the "Kick of Destiny" event, FanDuel experienced a significant increase in their brand share by 10 percentage points. The betting company is doubling down on the excitement, allowing users to wager on whether Gronkowski will make or miss the field goal. The current trends show a hopeful audience, with about 75 percent of FanDuel customers placing their faith in "Team Make."
A Renewed Appreciation for Kickers
Gronkowski's foray into kicking has brought him a newfound respect for professional placekickers. "I feel for them; it's a tough job, and, on top of it, they are doing it with the game on the line," he said, acknowledging the pressure that kickers regularly face. This respect has only grown as Gronkowski prepares for his high-stakes performance, which will be broadcast live from the Las Vegas Valley.
His practice sessions paint a promising picture, with an impressive 85 percent success rate on his practice kicks. Furthermore, he's showcased his leg power by hitting field goals from at least 40 yards out. Whether this translates into success in the live event remains to be seen, but the odds look more favorable than ever for Gronkowski.
Confidence and Determination
"I'm not going to miss again," Gronkowski stated confidently, reflecting the tenacity that made him one of the NFL's most formidable tight ends. His determination has been further fueled by memories of last year's miss, which only adds to the excitement surrounding this year's event. "He looked up and said, ‘Andrew, we have to do this again,’" recounted Andrew Sneyd, a FanDuel executive, describing the moment Gronkowski committed to a second attempt.
This narrative of redemption, coupled with the community's engagement through betting on the outcome, sets the stage for what could be a momentous occasion. Fans and onlookers alike can only wait with bated breath as Gronkowski takes the field, determined to reverse last year's outcome and provide a thrilling spectacle that enhances his already legendary sports career.
Last year's attempt might have been a miss, but this year, Rob Gronkowski is all set for what could be a perfect kick, both for his own legacy and for the lucky fans awaiting their potential share of a $10 million windfall.