Rob Gronkowski’s Chances in the 2019 Super Bowl: A Speculative Bet

It's fascinating how old questions resurface in our feeds sometimes, especially those with a heavy dose of whimsy. A query from October 2018 posed:

Speculating on Gronkowski’s Performance

Back then, the idea of Rob Gronkowski scoring in the 2019 Super Bowl in the closing seconds seemed like a wildly fanciful and speculative proposition. At the time, we were merely speculating and leaning on hypothetical scenarios. Now, however, we have a clearer picture of the real events that transpired.

The Reality of the Situation

The New England Patriots indeed made it to Super Bowl LIII, and Gronkowski did play. During the game, he executed a diving catch in the waning minutes. Although he didn't score in the final seconds, he came within a couple of yards of the goal line. Given this context, it might indeed seem that the bet from October 2018 wasn't entirely off the mark, albeit a distant one.

Current Realities

Fast forward to 2023, and the likelihood of such an occurrence is slim. Gronkowski is out with back problems, approaching the end of his career due to these issues. His participation in the 2023 season is uncertain, making the chance of him catching a touchdown pass in the Super Bowl remote.

Attempting the Bet Today

If someone were to place a bet on Gronkowski scoring in the 2023 Super Bowl, it would be wise to consider several factors:

Team Odds: The Patriots would need to make it to the Super Bowl, which is a significant challenge given their current roster and the formidable Kansas City Chiefs squad. The Chiefs are considered strong contenders to win their division, and a home-field advantage at Arrowhead Stadium could significantly reduce the Patriots' chances. Health and Performance: Gronkowski's back problems are well-documented, and he has a history of missing games and even participating in Super Bowls. Even if he was to play, the likelihood of him being in peak condition for the entire season is slim, given the wear and tear on his body. Game Situation: The better must define what "closing seconds" means. Two minutes before the end of the game would be a challenging time for any player, let alone one dealing with chronic back issues. The Patriots could have possession of the ball and be leading, running the ball to eat up the clock, or they might not even get to touch the ball at all.

Conclusion

Based on the current state of things, a bet that Rob Gronkowski scores in the 2023 Super Bowl is not a smart decision. The combination of his injury history, the uncertain path of the Patriots, and the dynamic nature of the game minimizes the odds significantly. If the odds were 1000 to 1, it would still be a risky proposition, and betting several hundred to one would be foolhardy.