New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski had an undeniably great 2011 season. Gronk, in just his second season, became the biggest red-zone threat in the NFL, leading the league in receiving TDs with 17. He also added 1,327 yards receiving and ran in another TD.
Gronkowski's season made him an instant celebrity, an all-pro, king of the bros, and most importantly, earned him Madden respect. Every year tons of NFL players take note of the player ratings for the newest edition of EA Sports' Madden franchise and this year Gronkowski made a huge jump.
In Madden NFL 12 the Patriots TE was given an overall rating of 84, in Madden NFL 13 he's the second-highest ranked receiver in the game with a 97 rating. Gronkowski has a higher rating than All-Pros Larry Fitzgerald and Andre Johnson, the only receiver ranked higher than Gronk is the Detroit Lions' Calvin Johnson, who has a 99 rating.
Gronkowski wasn't the only tight end to make the top 10, the 49ers' Vernon Davis and Saints' Jimmy Graham came in at fifth and sixth with ratings of 95. Gronk's teammate Wes Welker, was ranked as the eighth receiver, also with a 95 overall rating.
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