"The pool parties and the ladies": When Rob Gronkowski shared hilarious story on factors that influenced him to pick Arizona for college
Before Rob Gronkowski helped Tom Brady win four Super Bowls, the iconic tight end played college football at the University of Arizona. College recruits generally choose their programs considering coaches, other recruits, legacy and other things. For Gronkowski, there was something else on top of that.
In a video uploaded by Team Coco in February 2016, the former New England Patriots tight end was on "Conan" on TBS for a conversation. Host Conan O'Brien asked him why he chose Arizona over other programs.
"My brother was getting recruited, so I took a recruiting visit with him to Arizona when I was a sophomore in high school, and I really liked the place," Gronkowski told O'Brien. "I kept going back, and the weather drew me in. I was just falling in love with the place—the weather, the football team, Division I football, definitely top-tier for college.
"And, you know, the pool parties and the ladies kind of played a role too. Like I said, I like to have a good time and go out, and Arizona had that legendary party atmosphere." (1:00 onwards)
Rob Gronkowski gets inducted into UA's Sports Hall of Fame
Over a year ago, in November 2023, Rob Gronkowski was inducted into the University of Arizona Sports Hall of Fame. His presence in Old Pueblo has always caused a stir among the program's faithful, and he showed gratitude to the school for being the stepping stone to a legendary NFL career.
"I love the University of Arizona," he said at the time via Tucson News. "This is where it all started. This is the place that got me to the next level in the NFL. I had great teammates, great coaches and overall just great people at the college."
The five-time Pro Bowler joined Arizona in 2007 and remained with the program until the 2009 season, after which he was drafted by the Patriots in the NFL.
During that stretch in Arizona under coach Mike Stoops, Rob Gronkowski shone through. In his freshman year, he caught 28 receptions for 525 yards and six touchdowns. The following year, he hauled in 47 receptions for 672 yards and 10 touchdowns. Due to back surgery, he could not play his junior season.