Arrow Hawk: Gronk Smash! (Book 5)

Rob Gronkowski, Tight End For The New England Patriots

Early September 2015

A rather cool breeze blows onto the field, as Rob Gronkowski, the All-Star tight end for the New England Patriots, hears the snap count. Tom Brady, his quarterback, yells, "HIKE!" and he hightails it from the offensive line and sprints into an open slot, down field.

He is able to easily shake the Miami Dolphins cornerback and he turns around, just as Tom launches the ball in his direction. He catches it perfectly and turns to run up the field. Shouldering his way through player after player, he is able to reach the endzone, where he spikes the ball and screams loudly in celebration.

He is soon joined by his teammates and his quarterback. They all slap him on the back and congratulate him. Tom starts the celebratory pats and Danny Amendola, a wide receiver, grabs his helmet with his hands, headbutting him with his helmet and yells in his face, "WOO!"

"Nice touchdown, Gronk man!" Tom comments as they jog back to the sideline.

"Nicer pass man!" Rob replies.

"There's plenty more where that came from!" Tom winks at him and Rob laughs.

They reach the sideline in Gillette Stadium and are welcomed by more cheers and congrats from teammates and coaches. They make it to the bench, to sit down and get a drink, while the field goal is kicked.

The extra point is up and good!

The Patriots are now up 14-0 on the Miami Dolphins in Foxboro.

"Nice job man, what a touchdown," Julian Edelman remarks, coming over to his friend. "You never cease to amaze me with your strength and skill!"

"Woo!" Rob screams and slaps his hand against another one of his teammates in a handshake. "I try not to let the success go to my head, but what the heck, I love to score! I love to spike!"

"Yeah," Julian laughs. "Just don't stop! We need you again this season! We need the powerful Gronk!"

"Gronk Smash!" Rob growls and then breaks into a smile and chuckles.

"Yeah!"

"Puny Dolphins suffer!" Rob growls again.

"Save the energy for the field Gronk. And Julian, you'd get the ball more, if you got open," Tom remarks slyly.

"I'm just getting warmed up, Tom!" Julian states, patting his quarterback on the shoulder, before he walks off and vanishes into the sea of Patriot players.

Rob wipes his face and watches the kickoff, before leaning back to relax for a few moments. It has only been his first touchdown of the season, no big deal. He knows he is good, if not the best tight end player in the NFL!

"Keep getting open like that and you will see the ball a lot more!" Tom remarks with a snort of laughter. "Like I need to tell you that though."

"Yeah save it for the rookies, Tom. I'm a pro!" He glances up at the crowd gathered in Gillette, all the seats are filled and the stadium is alive with noise. "Great day for a game, huh Tom?"

"Yeah. I think the NFL can shut up now about all the Deflategate crap!"

"I agree."

They sit there as the defense holds the Dolphins to a 4-and-out. The ball is kicked and caught by the running back, who takes it to the 45 yard line. Then both jump up, shared a look, putting their helmets on and jog back out onto the field.

"LET'S DO THIS!" Tom yowls.

"WE GOT THIS BOYS!" Rob adds on.

They huddle together briefly going over the play and then break apart and line up. The ball is hiked and in a swift motion and  tossed to Julian Edelman, who darts up the field for a first down. Everyone is on fire and the Patriots look poised for another run at the Lombardi Trophy.

They are soon up 28-3 on the Dolphins by the half. Rob has two touchdowns and 100 rushing yards. Julian has a touchdown and looks like a speedy wide receiver who is on fire. Danny is playing well too.

For the half, Bill Belichick finds it hard to talk. Though he does say one thing, "Don't lose the fire." The half goes by quickly and the Patriots come back out onto the field full of energy and passion. They aren't about to choke and they are feeding off the intensity from the fans, who are even louder in the second half.

The team is just as dominate in the second as in the first and they are soon just having fun with their opponents who are gradually losing interest and desire. Rob has another touchdown, a hat trick of touchdowns in the game now and is leading his team to victory.

By the end of the game, the Dolphins are tired and the Patriots beat them 43 to 10.

Rob celebrates with his teammates and then goes through the tradition of shaking hands with the Dolphin players. Then he heads to the locker room, unaware that someone is already inside, waiting for him.