When you’re born and raised 30 miles outside of Boston, chances are you’re a Patriots fan. When you’re also a towering top tight end talent in high school, chances of being compared to Rob Gronkowski are pretty good.
Being assigned No. 87 as a freshman Nittany Lion only guaranteed that moniker would follow him from Boston to State College, Pa.
Known as a proficient blocker and an aggressive pass-catcher, Steelers rookie tight end Pat Freiermuth has been hearing the nickname “Baby Gronk” for longer than he cares to remember — dating back to high school.
Gronkowski, 6-foot-6, 268-pounds, and Freiermuth, 6-foot-5, 251-pounds, are similar in frame and playing style. But the comparisons end there — for now, anyway.
“It’s cool being compared to [Gronkowski], but I’m not even close yet to being where he is,” Freiermuth said in a 2019 Boston Herald interview.
Gronkowski’s 10-year career has netted him 8,484 yards, 86 touchdowns and five Pro Bowls.
One would think the comparison brings undue pressure and perhaps lofty expectations, especially for someone just entering the pros.
Professionally, Freiermuth hasn’t earned the Baby Gronk nickname. But hopefully it won’t be long until he’s on his way.
