New England Patriots

Rob Gronkowski makes NFL history with fifth 10-touchdown season

Published Dec. 14, 2015 10:13 a.m. ET

foxsports

Rob Gronkowski returned to the field for the New England Patriots on Sunday night after missing just one game with a bone bruise.

He finished the game with four catches for 87 yards and a touchdown -- his 10th score of the season.

With that, Gronkowski set a new NFL record for the most 10-touchdown seasons by a tight end (five).

Patriots near the goal line. Gronk with one-on-one coverage. You know how this ends: #GronkSpike! #NEvsHOU https://t.co/NtUIhjXfLR
— NFL (@NFL) December 14, 2015

Gronkowski was tied with Antonio Gates at four entering Sunday's game, but surpassed him with his 10th score of the year. He's also third on the all-time touchdown list for tight ends with 64 career scores and was the fastest to reach 60 touchdowns.

Additionally, he became the only tight end in NFL history to record three seasons of 1,000-plus yards and double-digit touchdowns.

He's now caught 61 passes for 1,018 yards and 10 touchdowns this season and appears to be healthy for the Patriots' playoff run.