New England Patriots

Rob Gronkowski thanks his mom for helping him break Patriots' TD record

Published Nov. 15, 2016 1:47 p.m. ET

Pete Blackburn

Rob Gronkowski scored his 69th career touchdown on Sunday against the Bills, setting a new Patriots record for most touchdowns in franchise history. It was a nice day for Gronk.

After the game, the tight end had to give a shoutout to his mom, who willed him to reaching the milestone with an inspiring message.

“The first thing yesterday — we sat down, I saw her — she came to my hotel with everyone,” said Gronk. “We sat down and she goes, ‘Rob, I’m so proud of you when you score your 69th touchdown.’ ”

Gronkowski is still just 27 years old and will likely reach plenty more milestones by the time he's ready to hang up the cleats, but something tells me this one will always hold a special moment in his heart.

Gronk said his mom was so proud of him for scoring his 69th career touchdown. #Patriots pic.twitter.com/0SXQa2aAtq
— Chad Amaral (@chad_amaral) October 30, 2016