Another Sunday evening, another Rob Gronkowski headline.
The New England Patriots tight end was on the receiving end of two scoring passes from quarterback Tom Brady, recording his 14th and 15th touchdown receptions of the year to set a new NFL single-season record of receiving touchdowns by a tight end.
Gronkowski spiked the ball on the then-record-setting 14th touchdown but chased it down quickly so he could keep it as a souvenir.
The Patriots held on late to defeat the Washington Redskins, 34-27, improving to 10-3.
"...it's cool to get a record and everything but it really [doesn't] matter. We got the team victory," Gronkowski told reporters after the game. "We got the W and that's all that matters coming out. The defense played well at the end of the game. They got that interception which was huge. Can't be any better than coming out with a victory."
San Diego Chargers' Antonio Gates (2004) and San Francisco 49ers' Vernon Davis (2009) held the previous tight end record with 13 touchdown receptions apiece.
Gronkowski, who set a fastest-to-20-touchdowns record earlier in the season, scored his first touchdown on the game by shaking off two should-be tackles, looking like the giant he is before taking off for paydirt.
"There [were] no whistles or [anything] so I was just running," Gronkowski said. "So, when I don't hear a whistle I just keep playing."
Gronk said he's not sure what he'll do with the record-setting ball. "I don't know," he said. "Spike it. Practice my spikes."
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