Watch: Rob Gronkowski Has A Message To All Patriots Fans Who Supported Him During His NFL Career

Now retired Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski made his very first public appearance in Boston on Saturday since his official announcement. Gronk decided to retire and surprised pretty much every athlete. So, Gronk was honored at the InterContinental Hotel for everything he has done with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Gronkowski received an award for all the wishes he turned into reality and helped kids diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses across the country. Some of them accompanied with him on the stage.

The retired tight end took to his Instagram account to post a video in order to thank fans for their support.

Eight-year-old Ryan Feeney jumped out of his seat as soon as he saw Gronk walk into the ballroom for the annual Make-A-Wish Gala at the InterContinental Hotel. “Gronk!” he called out. Gronk entered the room with his supermodel girlfriend Camille Kostek. He wore a tan suit, and Kostek was brilliant in her gown.

During his professional career, Gronk helped grant 14 wishes, including Feeney’s dream. He was honored with the 2019 Wish Hero Award.

“To know that of all things that a kid could choose to do, it’s a very, very humbling experience to know that these kids choose to meet me,” Gronkowski said.

In his acceptance speech, Gronk thanked the Kraft family, particularly Dan Kraft, who was part of the board of directors for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Gronk stresses the importance of taking care for the community, and recalled one of his visits to the Boston Children’s Hospital for his first community event as a Patriot. He couldn’t resist the urge to make a joke.

“It was an eye-opening experience to see what the children were going through, yet they all still managed to smile when my teammates and I came into the room,” Gronkowski said. “And I’m sorry, Camille, the moms got a little bit frisky, too, when I walked in.”

“Midway through my first season, the Make-A-Wish Foundation came to Gillette Stadium with a couple of kids who wanted to meet,” Gronkowski said, “Tom Brady.”

Gronk did a really good job for those kids, and we do hope that others will follow his example.