Gronkowski's Second Shot at Destiny
In an extraordinary twist of fate, Rob Gronkowski, the former NFL tight end standout, is gearing up for his second Super Bowl field goal attempt. Last year's miss came during a highly publicized FanDuel promotional event in which Gronkowski fell short on a 25-yard attempt. This year, the stakes are even higher. With his eyes set on the goalpost, a successful kick could unlock a treasure trove of $10 million in bonus bets for fans participating in the event.
Exuding a newfound sense of confidence, Gronkowski approaches this attempt with a more relaxed demeanor. The pressure seems to have dissipated compared to last year, perhaps fueling the optimism surrounding his upcoming performance.
Training Regimen and a Look Back
Gronkowski, who has proven his athletic prowess over 143 games before hanging up his cleats in 2021, has a history with football that extends beyond the end zones. As a youth, he showcased his multifaceted talent in Punt, Pass, and Kick competitions, giving him a foundational experience with the football from various perspectives.
Last year's bid, mentored by none other than the legendary kicker Adam Vinatieri, may not have ended with the desired result, but it certainly was a learning experience. The "soccer-style" kicking method Gronkowski employed was a novel approach for the ex-pass-catcher, only to be thwarted by the unforeseen adversary of the day: the wind.
However, the forecast for this Sunday in Las Vegas predicts more favorable conditions, offering a glimmer of hope with only light winds anticipated. Last year's "Kick of Destiny," despite the miss, proved to be a marketing triumph for FanDuel, boosting their brand visibility significantly.
A Nod to Professional Kickers
Reflecting on the intricacies of placekicking, Gronkowski has openly voiced his admiration for the specialists who make a living splitting the uprights. The mental fortitude and technical skill required have not gone unnoticed by the storied tight end. As part of the promotional fanfare, FanDuel has introduced a unique betting angle where users can place wagers on "Team Make" or "Team Miss".
Ahead of the broadcast, which will beam live from the heart of the Las Vegas Valley, around 75 percent of FanDuel customers are backing Gronkowski's chances, choosing "Team Make".
Throughout his preparations, Gronkowski's success rate in practice has been impressive. He's reportedly nailed about 85 percent of his kicks and has even demonstrated proficiency from distances extending to 40 yards. This level of performance bodes well for his upcoming attempt, suggesting that last year's mishap might indeed be a one-off occurrence.
Confident Words from Gronk
"I’m not going to miss again," stated an assertive Gronkowski, dismissing any notion of a repeat of last year's outcome. His journey from the embarrassment of the initial miss to this moment of redemption has been one filled with determination and focus.
And as Andrew Sneyd, a senior FanDuel executive, recounts an exchange with the former player, it's apparent this second attempt is something Gronkowski has been ardently pursuing. "He looked up and said, ‘Andrew, we have to do this again,’" Sneyd shared.
But perhaps what stands out the most is Gronkowski's empathy towards football's unsung heroes—the kickers who often face the weight of an entire game in single moments. "I feel for them; it’s a tough job and, on top of it, they are doing it with the game on the line," Gronkowski expressed, acknowledging the sheer pressure and precision that define the role of a professional placekicker.
As anticipation builds for Gronkowski's second foray into the world of field goal kicking, there's an air of expectation mingled with support from fans and professionals alike. With Gronkowski's hallmark determination, this year's FanDuel's "Kick of Destiny" promises a moment of drama, skill, and potentially, lucrative celebration for football enthusiasts everywhere.