Huge boys, huge dreams, huge success—how one family from Buffalo put five boys on the track to realizing their athletic potential and making it “big.” It is so statistically unlikely as to be almost unbelievable. Somehow, the Gronkowski family has produced three sons who play in the NFL (Rob, Chris, and Dan), one who was drafted into Major League Baseball (Gordie Jr.), and another who is the starting fullback for Kansas State (Goose). Their father, Gordy, even played college football for Syracuse. How did it happen? From an early age, Gordy realized the potential his sons had and worked with them to make the most of it. Beyond their monstrous size, physicality, and raw talent, he instilled in them a commitment to fitness, health, drive, and determination that would give his boys a leg up in ways other families simply couldn’t match. And the boys’ motivation certainly wasn’t something solely triggered by a driven father. They were like a pack of adolescent wolves readying themselves for the recruiting hunt. Still, all were honor-roll students; the three oldest earned college degrees. Each was motivated and inspired by his brothers. Competition and bragging rights were—and continue to be—a big part of what makes the Gronkowskis tick. Growing Up Gronk reveals the secrets to the Gronkowskis’ astonishing collective success while opening the door to a lively, entertaining, one-of-a-kind household. "The beauty of Growing Up Gronk is that you never really have to grow up at all. A fascinating look inside a larger-than-life football family. Enjoy the romp of Growing Up Gronk ." -- Dan Shaughnessy, Boston Globe columnist and bestselling author (with Terry Francona) of Francona: the Red Sox Years "If football is the ultimate American sport, it follows that the Gronkowskis are the ultimate American family. That equation isn’t based merely on their talents—which are extraordinary enough. No, it’s their unbridled exuberance and irreverence that sets them apart. From Gordie Senior on down, they are the Peter Pans of football, men-children who refuse to take themselves or the game too seriously. Anyone who’s spent time around the Brothers Gronkowski will surely agree that Growing Up Gronk captures them in full." -- Jeremy Schaap, ESPN commentator and bestselling author of  Cinderella Man  and Triumph [headline] Huge boys, huge dreams, huge success—how one family from Buffalo put five boys on the track to realizing their athletic potential and making it “big” “The beauty of Growing Up Gronk is that you never really have to grow up at all. A fascinating look inside a larger-than-life football family.”— Dan Shaughnessy, best-selling author of Francona: The Red Sox Years It is so statistically unlikely as to be almost unbelievable. Somehow, the Gronkowski family has produced three sons who play in the NFL (Rob, Chris, and Dan), one who was drafted into Major League Baseball (Gordie, Jr.), and another who is the starting fullback for Kansas State (Goose). Their father, Gordy, even played college football for Syracuse. How did it happen? From an early age, Gordy realized the potential his sons had and worked with them to make the most of it. Beyond their monstrous size, physicality, and raw talent, he instilled in them a commitment to fitness, health, drive, and determination that would give his boys a leg up in ways other families simply couldn’t match. And the boys’ motivation certainly wasn’t something solely triggered by a driven father. They were like a pack of adolescent wolves readying themselves for the recruiting hunt. Still, all were honor roll students; the three oldest earned college degrees. Each was motivated and inspired by his brothers. Competition and bragging rights were — and continue to be — a big part of what makes the Gronkowskis tick. Growing Up Gronk reveals the secrets to the Gronkowskis’ astonishing collective success while opening the door to a lively, entertaining, one-of-a-kind household. [AU PHOTO] The Gronkowski family includes father, Gordy, and his sons: Gordie, Jr., Dan, Chris, Rob, and Glenn. They are from Buffalo, New York. [AU PHOTO] JEFF SCHOBER has a journalism degree from Bowling Green State University and a master’s degree in humanities from the University at Buffalo. He is the author of both fiction and nonfiction books. The Gronkowski Family includes father, Gordy Gronkowski, who played football at Syracuse University and is president of G&G Fitness, his sons: Gordie, Jr. a professional baseball player who was drafted by the Angels; Dan, a tight end with the Cleveland Browns; Chris, a fullback with the Denver Broncos; Rob, a superstar tight end with the New England Patriots; and Glenn, "Goose," who plays Division 1 football at Kansas State. They are from Buffalo, New York.