The Patriots tight end is up for two honors at the annual ESPY awards, which highlight athletes from all kinds of sports for various accomplishments.
Gronkowski has been nominated for the best NFL player and the best breakthrough athlete awards, with voting opening Wednesday morning on ESPN.com.
In the NFL category, Gronkowski goes head-to-head with quarterback Drew Brees, wide receiver Calvin Johnson, quarterback Aaron Rodgers and linebacker Terrell Suggs.
Gronkowski was a beast on the field last year for New England. In just his second season with the team, he racked up 90 receptions for 1,327 yards and 17 touchdowns. His total touchdown catches was a record at the tight end position.
Other athletes in the breakthrough athlete category include Kentucky champion Anthony Davis, Baylor football star Robert Griffin III, Knicks point guard phenom Jeremy Lin and U.S. soccer newcomer Alex Morgan. Each had a great year, but Gronkowski was not only rewriting the tight end record books as a 22-year-old but also helping his team to the Super Bowl despite an ankle injury.
The ESPYs are also collecting votes for the best male athlete, the best female athlete, the best athlete in most major sports and leagues, the best team, the best upset, the best game and the best moment, to name a few.
Fans can even vote for the year’s best bowler.
