Rob Gronkowski Named 2014 AP Comeback Player of the Year

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski's 2013 season was an injury-plagued one, costing him nine games. But the dynamic tight end returned in a big way in 2014 and posted big numbers, making him the obvious choice for the Associated Press' Comeback Player of the Year award.

The NFL announced Gronkowski won the award Saturday evening.

After catching just 39 passes for 592 yards and four scores in seven games last season, Gronkowski rebounded in a big way, notching 82 receptions for 1,124 yards and 12 touchdowns on 130 targets this year, leading all tight ends in every category except for receptions (only Martellus Bennett, Jimmy Graham and Greg Olsen topped him).

More importantly, Gronk's huge year helped lead the New England Patriots to the Super Bowl against the Seattle Seahawks. And what's scary is that Gronkowski should only continue to get better, as Bleacher Report's Cian Fahey noted:

"

Rob Gronkowski is 25 years old...Twenty! Five!....He might not have hit his prime yet...

— Cian Fahey (@Cianaf) January 24, 2015"

For Gronkowski, the key will always be his health. When he's on the field, there are few weapons in the NFL more dangerous or difficult to cover. He's a beast in the red zone, a safe target across the middle and a matchup nightmare in general. There are records to be smashed in Gronk's future if he can stay healthy.

He certainly proved that much in 2014.