Rob Gronkowski, the retired NFL tight end and three-time Super Bowl champion, is stepping up for another high-stakes challenge, but this time it won't be on the gridiron. Rather, Gronkowski is aiming to split the uprights in a second attempt to make a field goal at the Super Bowl, and if successful, he could unlock a substantial FanDuel promotion for fans.
In a surprising turn of events last year, Gronkowski participated in a FanDuel stunt, attempting a 25-yard field goal. Despite his impressive athletic prowess, he missed, leaving the promotion's promised prize unclaimed. This year, however, the stakes have been raised: if Gronkowski nails the kick, fans stand to win a share of a staggering $10 million in bonus bets from FanDuel.
Reflecting on his previous attempt, Gronkowski conveyed an air of determination. "I’m not going to miss again," he assured, highlighting his boosted confidence. The absence of pressure that plagued his debut field goal effort seems to have dissipated, giving him a clear mind and focus going into this year's event.
From Tight End to Placekicker: A Journey of Preparation
Despite his past as a tight end, Gronkowski is no stranger to football kicking dynamics. As a youngster, he participated in Punt, Pass, and Kick competitions, showcasing a perhaps little-known versatility. Yet it was only last year under the guidance of iconic kicker Adam Vinatieri, that Gronkowski initiated formal training for placekicking. Over 143 career games, he had never attempted a field goal in a professional setting until the FanDuel promotional event.
An unexpected hurdle in last year's miss was the "soccer-style" kick technique that failed Gronkowski, particularly because of the windy conditions. This experience provided a valuable lesson, and with favorable weather expected for Las Vegas this Sunday, including only light winds, conditions seem promising for a successful attempt.
The "Kick of Destiny," as dubbed by FanDuel, isn't merely a promotional stunt; it's had a tangible effect on their market impact, increasing their brand share by 10 points. Additionally, FanDuel has turned this event into an interactive experience, allowing users to place their faith in "Team Make" or "Team Miss" – with around 75% rallying behind Gronkowski's ability to make the kick.
Garnering Respect for the Role of Kickers
While most know Gronkowski for his catching and blocking abilities, he's gained significant respect for the unique pressures of kicking, expressing admiration for the professionals who perform under intense scrutiny. His recent experiences have underscored the precision and steadiness required for field goal attempts, especially with game outcomes often resting on the kicker's shoulders.
As the event draws closer, Gronkowski's preparation seems to be paying off, with a reported success rate of approximately 85% during practice kicks. He's not only been accurate within the shorter range but also from distances extending to at least 40 yards out, indicating a newfound depth to his kicking skills.
The kick, to be broadcasted live from the Las Vegas Valley, could prove to be a moment of redemption for Gronkowski. His comments post-training reflected his journey from a humbling start to a confident stance. "I feel more confident, because where I started last year it was embarrassing," he revealed. Memorable too is the recollection shared by Andrew Sneyd, a FanDuel executive, who recounted Gronkowski’s commitment to mastering this skill, "He looked up and said, ‘Andrew, we have to do this again,'"
In closing, Gronkowski honored kickers everywhere, acknowledging the difficulty of their role. "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. His regard for the profession, coupled with his commitment to improvement, sets the stage for an intriguing subplot at this year's Super Bowl festivities.
As anticipation builds, fans and the curious alike are eager to see if Gronkowski can convert his athletic prowess into a successful field goal attempt. Regardless of Sunday's outcome, one thing is certain: Rob Gronkowski continues to entertain and impress with his unyielding pursuit of challenges, both familiar and uncharted.
