Rob Gronkowski Earns 2016 Ron Burton Community Service Award, Jokes About How Far He’s Come

Robert Alvarez

7 years ago at 5:33 pm ET

David Butler II - USA TODAY Sports

On Tuesday night the New England Patriots hosted their annual preseason “Patriots Premiere” event on the field at Gillette Stadium. The centerpiece of the evenings festivities was the honoring of a current player with the Ron Burton Community Service Award.

Named after the late former Patriot, the award is presented to a player who best contributes their time off the field in the community and through charity work. This years recipient was tight end Rob Gronkowski.

“Rob is just as fun to watch at a community event as he is on the game field,” said Team Owner and CEO Robert Kraft. “Giving back to the community is a big part of being ‘Gronk.’ He is engaging with fans of all ages. His gregarious personality makes him one of our greatest ambassadors, especially when spreading cheer to children at local hospitals or schools. We love the devotion and enthusiasm that he shows in the community and are proud to present him with this year’s Ron Burton Community Service Award.”

Rob Gronkowski is this year's #Patriots Ron Burton Community Service Award winner. pic.twitter.com/wjIAoCUphr

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 31, 2016

When Gronkowski took the stage to accept the award, he provided quite possibly the most memorable quote the season, joking with the crowd aboutbhow far he’s come since being drafted.

Potential quote of the year from Rob Gronkowski after winning Ron Burton Community Service Award (h/t @CSNNE) pic.twitter.com/liZQbF50kE

— Ryan Hannable (@RyanHannable) August 31, 2016